Azamgarh (UP), Oct 3: The Mumbai Police today conducted a search in Azamgarh town of Uttar Pradesh to look out for Abu Rashid, the main suspect in the recent series of bomb blasts across the country.

According to police officials, the Mumbai Crime Branch and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh are jointly conducting search operation in Azamgarh.

Abu Rashid is allegedly one of the key members of the Indian Mujahideen (IM), and his name was mentioned by the five alleged IM members who were arrested in Mumbai. They are suspected to have connection with the recent Delhi, Ahmedabad and other blasts in the country since 2005.

Azamgarh came into limelight last week for all the wrong reasons. Once known for the Hindu-Muslim synergy and high intellect, the region is now being tagged as the new "breeding ground for the militants".

The intelligence authorities believe that the region has proved to be a 'fertile ground' for many militant outfits.

The Police have said that 13 school friends hailing from Azamgarh had planned and executed the recent serial blasts in New Delhi claiming at least 22 lives and injuring100.

While two militants were killed and one arrested during the fierce encounter, three more arrests were made on September 21. (ANI)