KARACHI: Karachi’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), in a joint intelligence-based operation with the Sindh Rangers and intelligence agencies, has arrested three suspected terrorists allegedly involved in an attack on an Independence Day stall in Korangi.
According to CTD officials, the suspects opened fire on Korangi resident Aman on the night of August 12 while he was standing in front of his wife and children. Aman sustained critical injuries and later died during treatment.
Suspects Conducted Recce Before Attack
Speaking at a press conference, CTD DIG Azfar Mahesar, accompanied by SSP CTD Irfan Bahadur, said the suspects had conducted reconnaissance of the stalls two days before the attack through an associate identified as Sajjad Mallah.
The accused allegedly fled the scene on three separate motorcycles after carrying out the shooting, the officials said.
DIG Mahesar stated that a man identified as Arsalan Shah, who is reportedly residing abroad, assigned the task to the suspects and controlled the network. He added that interrogation had revealed that the group also surveyed multiple locations for possible bomb attacks on the instructions of foreign-based handlers.
Foreign-Based Handler Allegedly Financed Network
SSP Irfan Bahadur said Arsalan Shah had sent funds to the suspects from abroad during the first week of August.
He alleged that the group’s primary objective was to create fear and spread disorder in Karachi during national occasions, including Independence Day. The suspects were also allegedly directed to target law-enforcement personnel.
The SSP further claimed that an Indian proxy was operating behind the banned Sindh Revolutionary Army (SRA), which he said sought to conduct sabotage operations on national days.
Arrests Made Near Korangi Causeway
Police officials said the three suspects, who allegedly belong to the banned SRA, were arrested in an injured condition near Korangi Causeway on August 18.
Three hand grenades and weapons were reportedly recovered from their possession.
Four Cases Registered Under Anti-Terrorism Laws
According to DIG Mahesar, four cases have been registered against the suspects under various sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Explosive Substances Act.
SSP Bahadur said the investigation into the network was continuing and that authorities were searching for the suspects’ facilitators and other associates.
“The entire network will be dismantled very soon,” he said, reiterating the CTD’s resolve to prevent further acts of terrorism and sabotage in the city.
