Cops sealed CST duo’s fate

Mateen Hafeez | TNN

Mumbai: According to police sources, after attacking CST, the two terrorists had planned to escape by blending into the crowd. The police are also looking into whether the terrorists had chalked out an escape plan to return to Pakistan by sea. “After the attack, they wanted to steer clear of the police. This is probably the reason why the duo entered the bylane leading to the rear of Cama and Albless Hospital. By then, the police had cordoned off the areas,’’ said a senior police officer. The two terrorists, however, had no plans of carrying out another attack.

Meanwhile, the intelligence bureau and the Mumbai police maintained that only 10 terrorists landed in Mumbai. “All the terrorists have been accounted for,’’ said a police officer. The Coast Guard, too, confirmed this fact. A senior Coast Guard official said they found only 10 life jackets in the trawler, Kuber. They also found some toiletries and blankets in the trawler.

The police is investigating the possibility of locals providing logistical support to the terrorists. The crime branch is now widening its investigation with the possible involvement of around five to six people—two of whom were trained in Pakistan, and named by LeT operative, Faheem Ansari, who was arrested by the UP police in February.

The terrorists attacked Nariman House in Colaba, which is located in a congested lane. “The attack on Nariman House, which was frequented by Israeli nationals, needed local support as the terrorists perhaps knew the exact location of the building,’’ said an officer.

Moreover, the bombs planted in the two taxis—one at Wadi Bundar, and the other at Vile Parle—killed at least three people. According to IB sources, the terrorists left RDX bombs with timers in the taxis.

The Times of India, December 2, 2008