The Anti-Extremist Cell (AEC) of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) thwarted a possible terror bid in Karachi by arresting four alleged militants of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Thursday. According to AEC chief Chaudhry Aslam Khan, suspects Abdul Sattar, Shoaib, Shah Fahad and Nasrullah were arrested during a raid in Muhammadi Colony of Mochko. Khan said with the suspects’ help, heavy arsenal, including 20 kilogrammes of explosives, six hand grenades, three Kalashnikovs and three suicide jackets, were recovered from a graveyard in the same area.
“The TTP militants had planned to attack the rallies and majalis during this holy month. Their prime target was to be the main procession of Muharram,” he added.
Moreover, he said, raids are also being conducted for arresting the accomplices of the detained suspects.
It was learnt that the suspects commuted via buses to transfer arms and ammunition from the northern areas to Karachi.
Besides, the detainees also confessed attacking a businessman near the city courts in the metropolitan.
‘DON’ ARRESTED: The CID also claimed to have arrested an underworld don wanted by the police in many cases.
Acting on a tip-off, a CID team raided a house in Kharadar and arrested Ghulam Patni after a brief encounter; however, two of his accomplices managed to escape.
Talking to the media, CID SSP Fayyaz Ahmed said heavy weapons and ammunition, including a Kalashnikov and hand grenades, were recovered from Patni’s possession.
Ahmed said the accused admitted his involvement in 30 cases of murder.
Moreover, he added, Patni was wanted by the police in some serious crimes, including match-fixing.
It is pertinent to mention here that former Sindh home minister Zulfiqar Ali Mirza had accused Patni of plotting to kill him.
According to well-placed sources, Patni has confessed killing police officials, gamblers, bookies and several other people.
