Mumbai, June 27: Terror suspects held at South Africa could be on a reconnaissance mission for LeT, say sources at a central intelligence agency
The arrest of two suspected members of militant organisation Lashar-e-Toiba has sent intelligence agencies across the country, including the Anti Terrorist Squad, into a tizzy.
The two suspects identified as Imran Mohammed and Chaudhary Parvez Ahmed were apprehended by security forces while they were trying to cross over into South Africa from Zimbabwe. During preliminary inquiry, the duo claimed they were Pakistani nationals.
Initial investigations indicated that they were travelling with fake passports. The fact that they were Pakistani nationals spread terror among Indian intelligence agencies. More so, because LeT is considered one of the main militant organisations operating under the Al Qaeda umbrella.
The US and English football teams are still participating in the FIFA World Cup matches in South Africa.
Rakesh Maria, Additional Director General of Police in charge of ATS Mumbai, immediately ran a check on some of the men wanted in connection with the 26/11 attacks.
The immediate cause for concern was to make arrangements to inform the Interpol so that the duo could be escorted to Mumbai to face trials. The results indicated they were not involved in terror activities in Mumbai.
Maria heaved a sigh of relief when their names did not figure in the wanted list of the country. “Mohammed and Parvez were not involved in the Mumbai attacks,” he told Sunday MiD DAY.
Sources in the Central Bureau of Investigation — the nodal agency liaisoning with the Interpol — confirmed that there was no red-corner notice from India for their extradition to the country. However, sources at a central intelligence agency pointed out a strong possibility of the two suspects being linked to the Pakistani Inter Services Intelligence. They could be on a reconnaissance mission in South Africa, as part of the marine wing of Lashkar-e-Toiba.
Pakistan has trained more than 500 naval commandos to carry out attacks on coastal targets across the country. Some of the targets include coast installations, hotels, atomic centres, railway stations and iconic structures. Mumbai police have already intensified round-the-clock land patrolling in the coastal regions. Extra forces have been deployed at police stations near the sea in Mumbai. Reports suggest that a terrorist group did a recce of iconic structures in Mumbai and Goa.
——–Courtesy: Mid Day