CTD claims killing Saddar blast mastermind

A suspected terrorist, killed during a joint operation by law enforcement agencies and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Mauripur, was the mastermind behind the bicycle bombing in Saddar, police claimed.

CTD sources said that the slain suspect, identified as Allah Dino, had parked the bicycle in which a bomb was planted. He was present at the time of the explosion of the device which he detonated via remote control. The sources added the alleged slain terrorist was seen with the same bicycle in several CCTV footages recovered by the police from the Saddar area.

The other terrorist killed in the encounter was Nawab Ali, possibly a facilitator. Further information was being sought in this regard.

According to a spokesperson for CTD Sindh, the alleged slain terrorists of the banned Sindh Revolutionary Army belonged to a village in Tharparkar district called Jesi Jopar in Taluka Chachro.

Meanwhile, teams have been formed to arrest more terrorists involved in terrorism. Sources said CTD officers would hold a press conference on Thursday to inform the media about further details of the Saddar blast.

Read More: CTD team arrests alleged terrorist in New Karachi

On the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, law enforcement agencies and the CTD raided a house in the 500 Quarters area of Mauripur during a joint operation. Suspects holed up in the area allegedly opened fire at law enforcement personnel. In the ensuing shootout, two of the suspects were seriously injured.

CTD in-charge Mazhar Mashwani said that both the "terrorists" were being shifted to Dr Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital, but died on the way. Talking to media persons at the hospital, he said that both men have been identified as Nawab and Allah Dino.

Both belonged to the Sindh Revolutionary Army and were involved in recent bombings in the city. A bag containing dynamite, detonators, a remote control and two .30 bore pistols were also recovered from their possession.

Mashwani said that further investigation was underway against the two and more important information about them was likely to be unearthed. It may be recalled that three bomb blasts took place in the city over the last few days, including a suicide attack on Karachi University, a planted bomb blast in Saddar area and a blast at Bolton Market.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 19^th, 2022.