Punjab CTD arrests 12 RAW terrorists in Lahore, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur raids

The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Punjab claimed on Monday to have nabbed a dozen terror suspects having links with India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

The arrests were made during intelligence-based raids in Lahore, Faisalabad and Bahawalpur.

In a statement, the CTD spokesperson said that the raids were carried out with the support of other security agencies.

According to him, photographs, video clips, weapons and explosive material were seized from their possession, adding that the action prevented major terrorist plots in the targeted cities.

The statement said the confiscated material also contained images and footage of sensitive sites, including a religious school.

Th spokesperson stated that the group had intended to spread panic and sectarian discord and had allegedly mapped out attacks on religious places and key locations.

The CTD said that those detained in Lahore included Sukhdeep Singh, Azmat, Faizan, Nabil, Abrar, Usman and Sarfaraz. One suspect, Danish, was held in Faisalabad, while four more — Rajab, Hashim, Saqib and Arif — were detained in Bahawalpur.

According to the spokesperson, the breakthrough came after investigators traced a Facebook account believed to be operated from India to organise militant activities.

The spokesperson further claimed that all the suspects were receiving financial backing from RAW.

He said officers confiscated “seven IEDs, two detonators, safety fuse wire measuring 102 feet, explosives, firearms, mobile phones and cash” during the raids.