CTD busts RAW network in Karachi, arrests six suspects

Karachi: A secret network of India’s intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), has been uncovered in Karachi. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) revealed that four Indian agents, arrested on July 8, were plotting terrorist activities.

Addressing a press conference at the Central Police Office (CPO) Karachi, Additional IG CTD Azad Khan informed journalists that RAW had established a network in Karachi for terrorism and targeted killings.

The agents were provided with large sums of money to carry out assassinations, and safe houses for terrorists were also operating in the city.

According to Azad Khan, the CTD Sindh, in collaboration with federal intelligence agencies, dismantled a major RAW network in Karachi. The breakthrough came during investigations into the murder of 45-year-old Abdul Rehman of Badin, who was killed in a targeted attack on May 18. Following the probe, a case was also registered against a front organization associated with RAW.

He said that further investigations were handed over to the CTD, which confirmed RAW’s involvement. The terrorist network was being run with RAW’s financial and logistical support, with planning for killings and attacks conducted from abroad.

Azad Khan revealed that RAW agent Sanjay Sanjeev Kumar, alias “Fauji,” recruited two Pakistanis, Salman and Arsalan, in a Gulf country. Salman then formed a target-killer gang consisting of Umair, Sajjad, Ubaid, and Shakeel. RAW financed the group heavily, channeling funds through formal banking remittances.

Evidence also surfaced of RAW’s involvement in bomb blasts and terrorist activities in Karachi and other cities. Weapons recovered from the arrested target killers included 9mm pistols, 30-bore pistols, and 125 mortar shells. A bomb was also seized during the operation.

The CTD registered cases under anti-terrorism laws. The suspects confessed to working as RAW’s local agents and were also found linked to the banned Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army (SRA). They admitted to multiple terrorist plots in Karachi.

The arrested target killers confessed to receiving Indian funding for assassinations in Pakistan. They disclosed that Sanjay Kumar, alias Fauji, had transferred large sums to Salman from a Gulf country. Salman later met other accomplices in Hyderabad, from where three suspects traveled to Matli and carried out the killing.

After the operation, Salman fled first to a Gulf country from Karachi airport, and then to Nepal. Arsalan was arrested on August 17, while Talha and Umair were captured on August 22. Weapons and mobile phones were recovered from them. Khan added that RAW had also been using a separatist organization as a proxy and had orchestrated terror attacks in the past.

Further details revealed that Salman arrived at Karachi airport on May 12 and traveled to Hyderabad, where four of his accomplices joined him from Muridke and Sheikhupura. The group conducted surveillance of the target for five days. Salman and Umair stayed at a Hyderabad hotel, while three others carried out the killing in Matli.

Sanjay remained in continuous contact with the suspects from abroad. After the killing, Salman escaped through Karachi airport to a Gulf country and later fled to Nepal. The CTD learned during investigation that RAW spent significant sums on the operation and transferred funds through multiple channels.

During the press conference, officials displayed a chart outlining the operation, detailing the suspects’ roles, financial transactions, and links with travel agencies involved in booking their tickets.

Azad Khan said that more major arrests are expected as investigations progress. The CTD has pledged to ensure strict punishments for the terrorists to set a strong example.

Answering a question, Khan explained that the CTD is a local investigative body responsible for proving cases and linkages, which they have successfully done in this case. All available evidence has been forwarded to higher authorities, and the matter will be presented at senior forums.

He added that the issue of terrorist financing would be raised systematically at the highest level through designated platforms, with all evidence collected from the suspects.

The murdered victim, Abdul Rehman, had no criminal or political background but was well-known for his charitable work, which had made him a respected figure in his community.

Responding to another query, the Additional IG said the arrested suspects already had criminal records. Such individuals are often used as proxies. In the past, reconnaissance operatives had been caught, but this was the first time that those conducting surveillance and carrying out an assassination themselves were directly apprehended.

Efforts will also be made to capture Salman, who fled abroad, with assistance from the federal Ministry of Interior.