M A I N   N E W S

Four more Pak Army officers were part of 26/11 plot
Ajay Banerjee/TNS

Ansari spills the beans At least four more Pakistani Army officers were part of the Mumbai plot. The role of three Pakistani Army officers — Major Iqbal, Major Sameer Ali and Major Abdul Rehman Hashmi — has already been established. Indian Mujahideen terrorists being introduced to the ISI in Saudi Arabia, funds being collected in the name of “jihad” from radically inclined groups. 4 to 5 fully operational terror training camps active in PoK

New Delhi, June 26
Indian investigators are now clear that the deadly 26/11 attacks were masterminded with active backing of the establishment in Pakistan.

The role of three Pakistani Army officers — Major Iqbal, Major Sameer Ali and Major Abdul Rehman Hashmi — has already been established and their names are in a chargesheet filed by the National Investigation Agency in a Delhi court. The interrogation of Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari, alias Abu Hamza, alias Abu Zindal, has revealed that at least four more Pakistani Army officers were part of the Mumbai terror plot.

Armed with fresh evidence, India is likely to counter Pakistan over involvement of its state actors in the strikes.

Ansari also told the investigators that Indian Mujahideen terrorists are being introduced to the ISI in Saudi Arabia and funds are being collected in the name of ‘jihad’ from radical groups in the Saudi kingdom. “Once the investigation is over, the details will be tabulated and sent to Pakistan. We have sufficient evidence to prove that the Pakistan-based terrorists are fanning trouble in India with active support from the establishment there”, said a senior Home Ministry official.

Ansari was among the core-group of planners of the Lashkar-e-Toiba, which planned, executed and directed the Mumbai carnage. Two other core group members, Tahawwur Rana and David Coleman Headley, are in the US custody. Sources said Ansari was arrested in Saudi Arabia nearly a year ago. However, the Kingdom wanted a scientific evidence, which was provided by India in the form of a blood sample of his family living in Maharashtra. The DNA matched and then frenzied back-channel diplomatic efforts led to Ansari’s handing over to India.

The Saudis finally allowed a special plane from India’s Aviation Research Centre (ARC) — a part of Research & Analysis Wing — to land and pick up the suspect.

The investigators are trying to find out who aided Ansari in getting a Pakistani passport under the name of Riyasat Ali and who allowed him to sneak into Saudi Arabia.