KARACHI: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) announced on Saturday that it had dismantled a major terrorist network linked to India’s intelligence agency, RAW, with the arrest of six suspects in Karachi. The operation was carried out in coordination with federal intelligence agencies.
Addressing a press conference, CTD Additional IG Azad Khan revealed that the arrests were made on July 8, in connection with the murder of a 45-year-old barber, Abdur Rehman, in Badin’s Matli area on May 18, 2025.
Investigations traced the plot to RAW handler Sanjay Sanjeev Kumar, alias Fouji, operating from a Gulf country. He allegedly recruited Pakistanis, financed the operation through formal and informal banking channels, and used a local network led by a suspect named Salman. This group included Umair, Sajad, Obaid, and Shakeel, who carried out reconnaissance for five days before executing the target.
Khan said Indian media’s coverage of the killing further indicated RAW’s involvement. Following the attack, Salman reportedly fled to Nepal. Evidence of terror financing was also uncovered, leading to a separate case being registered.
The arrested suspects were identified as Amir Asghar, Sajad, Obaid, Shakeel, Arslan, and Talha Umair. Weapons, mobile phones, and a motorcycle were recovered from their possession.
Investigators also found that a banned separatist organisation had facilitated the attack at RAW’s behest. “This is a clear example of state-sponsored terrorism, and Pakistan will raise the issue at all relevant forums,” Khan asserted.
The CTD confirmed that the suspects admitted to working for RAW, with travel histories and financial records further substantiating their links. More arrests are expected as probes into their statements, bank transactions, and foreign connections continue.
