Suspect in Data Darbar attack footage claims innocence

CTD urges media to refrain from running unconfirmed news


Our Correspondent May 12, 2019
An investigation into the terror attack near one of the largest shrines in South Asia is still underway. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE

LAHORE: A man identified through CCTV footage and believed to be a suspect in the Data Darbar attack has claimed innocence and told investigators that he was visiting the shrine for prayers.

The images circled out from surveillance footage and flashed on TV channels showed two men who were believed to be associates of the suicide bomber who attacked the shrine in Lahore on May 8. One of them was seen around Data Darbar several times.

He was last seen near the shrine three hours before the attack.

Denying allegations, the man released a video on social media maintaining innocence. He explained that he was a resident of Aimanabad in Gujranwala and was at the shrine to offer prayers. "I panicked at the time of the attack," he said.

The man called out TV channels for flashing his photo and accusing him of terrorism without evidence.

Meanwhile, the Counter-Terrorism Department has also directed the media to not run news about the investigation without prior confirmation from the authorities.

A CTD spokesperson said the department had not issued any press release about suspects in the shrine attack.

“The CCTV footage has been obtained by the media itself,” he added. “The investigation of such cases is a lengthy and strenuous process and that's why the media should refrain from complicating the matter.”

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