RAW officials smuggle terrorist out of Muscat

The operation was top secret and even airport officials were kept in the dark till about 15 minutes before the flight landed in Bangalore

RAW officials smuggle terrorist out of Muscat

The operation was top secret and even airport officials were kept in the dark till about 15 minutes before the flight landed in Bangalore

RAW officials abducted a 32-year-old terror suspect from his hideout in Muscat and brought him to Bangalore in a private plane. The abduction was necessary since there is no extradition treaty between India and Muscat, a senior officer from the investigating agency said.

Sarfaraz Nawaz, a native of Kerala, is said to have financed the Bangalore serial blasts. He later fled to Muscat to take refuge with his relatives. His name cropped up during the interrogation of Abdul Sattar, a radio mechanic from Kerala who devised timers for the bombs.

Armed with the information, a team of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) officials tracked down Sarfaraz. They smuggled him into a private plane from Muscat to Bengaluru International Airport at around 12 am on Friday.
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The operation was kept secret and even the Air Traffic Control (ATC) was taken by surprise when at 11.45 pm, they got a message to facilitate and "clear a non-civil aircraft," which was about to land in the next 15 minutes at the airport. They were further instructed to waive off the landing and taking off fee because it was a government aircraft.

Similar messages were flashed to the customs and immigration officials, who were asked to "give permission to passengers of the special aircraft without asking any questions".

Sarfaraz was later handed over to Bangalore police who are questioning him about his local contacts. Sarfaraz is closely connected to Riyaz Bhatkal, Iqbal and Naseer, all accused in the serial blast cases. Through his arrest we will be able to track down the others who have fled to other countries, a senior police officer said.

More arrested

The Anti-Terrorist Cell in Bangalore which is investigating the case has arrested six people in connection with the blasts so far.

"However, the kingpin is still at large. We have got vital information from Sarfaraz and we are questioning him for more," police added.