The CPI(M) on Friday asked the government to take reports of “Hindutva infiltration” in the Army “seriously” as a serving Lt Colonel was arrested in connection with the Malegaon blast case noting that such incidents have “disturbing implication” for national security.

“What needs to be recognised is that some extremist elements both amongst the Muslims and Hindus are resorting to terrorist violence...The central government must take the reports of Hindutva infiltration in the Army seriously,” CPI(M) politbureau said in a statement.

Noting that the “new dimension” of the growing terrorist threat must be fully investigated, the party said such forces have to be dealt with firmly and their networks dismantled irrespective of the community they belong to.

The CPI(M) also demanded an enquiry into the role of Bhonsla Military School, a private-run institution in Maharashtra. They said the school should be investigated and such places should not be used for military training.

It noted that the alleged role of former army officers and the case against a serving army officer have “disturbing implications for national security”.

“This (military training to students) must be immediately stopped and the school should conform to the regular educational curriculum,” the statement said.

The CPI(M) said that BJP has dismissed this “serious development” as a “sponsored” investigation.

“The RSS and its outfits are making absurd statements that Hindus cannot be terrorists. These are the same people who go on talking about Islamic terrorists,” it added.