MULTAN: The main accused of Rasheedabad car bomb blast, which left 42 persons dead and another 150 injured in Multan in October 2004, has been arrested, the police spokesman said on Wednesday.
Accused Muhammad Ali alias Bilal alias Asif Ali s/o Muhammad Iqbal, a resident of district Jhelum, had allegedly parked the explosives-laden car near Chowk Rasheedabad that exploded when a large gathering of people was returning after attending the death anniversary of Maulana Azam Tariq on October 7, 2004. A case was then registered with Lohari Gate police station.
The accused also remained involved in the murder case of Maulana Azam Tariq.
Police had secured his 20-day physical remand and during the investigation, he also pointed out that he had hidden two hand grenades behind the mausoleum of Hazrat Shah Shams Sabzwari. The hand grenades were recovered and defused by Bomb Disposal Squad.
A case was also registered against him under Explosives Act with Lohari Gate police station.
Police spokesman said that witnesses and the complainant of Rasheedabad bomb blast identified him during the identification parade. Daulat Gate SHO Inspector Rana Zaheer Babar and Sub-Inspector Salamat Ali played a key role in the arrest of the accused.
The accused has been sent to jail after completion of the legal procedure, the spokesman said.