Preventive detention: SBCA official arrested on terrorism charges

Rangers claims that the detainee is a target killer and affiliated with a militant wing

KARACHI: The Rangers informed on Saturday the anti-terrorism courts' administrative judge about 90-day preventive detention of a senior official of Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) over allegations of involvement in terrorism activities.

The suspect, Najib Alam, claims to be a senior auditor at the SBCA in the court, and submitted his detention order and jail warrant before the judge.

The paramilitary law officers told the judge that the suspect was picked up within the jurisdiction of the Saddar police station over receiving 'credible information' about his involvement in targeted killings, extortion, kidnapping and other acts falling within the ambit of Anti-Terrorism Act.



The judge ordered constitution of a joint interrogation team within 15 days to probe the suspect over allegations.

Meanwhile, the Rangers issued a statement to the media claiming that the detainee was a target killer and affiliated a militant wing.

Alam confessed to his involvement in the fire incident at Tahir Plaza in 2008, in which six people were burnt to death, said the Rangers spokesperson. He also collected extortion money from the Karachi Building Control Authority, which is now known as SBCA and was involved in illegal approval of site plans for construction companies.



"He used to deposit such amount at the head quarter of his militant wing, which was later distributed to the top leaders of the party," claimed the spokesperson.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 3^rd, 2016.