Wanted SRA Militant Arrested in Hyderabad; Weapons and Explosives Recovered
KARACHI: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Hyderabad has arrested a wanted militant affiliated with the banned Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army (SRA) during an intelligence-based targeted operation, recovering weapons, explosives, and bomb-making materials.
According to a CTD spokesperson, the suspect, Imam Bux Khaskheli, was arrested within the limits of Hosri Police Station. He was wanted by the CTD in multiple terrorism-related cases.
During the operation, CTD officials recovered a hand grenade, explosive material, detonators, a remote-control device, batteries, detonating cord, and spent cartridges of a .30-bore weapon and a submachine gun from the suspect’s possession.
The spokesperson said that another suspect, Somar Mallah, managed to escape after opening fire on the police. A search operation is underway to apprehend him.
Cases have been registered against the arrested suspect under the Anti-Terrorism Act, the Explosives Act, and other relevant laws.
CTD stated that Imam Bux Khaskheli was an ideological worker and facilitator of the banned SRA. He had been declared a proclaimed offender and was absconding in several CTD cases. Investigators said he maintained links with previously arrested militants, including Mubashir Laghari, Ali Haider Katriyo, Sarang Mirani, and Mehran Mirani.
During initial interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed that the explosive materials had been supplied by his accomplice, Somar Mallah. He also admitted to planning attacks on law enforcement vehicles and claimed he had been recruited through the Telegram messaging platform by alleged SRA commander Asghar Shah.
According to CTD, the suspect also confessed to involvement in firing incidents targeting cargo trailers in Sujawal, attacks on OGDCL vehicles, stone-pelting, extortion activities, and providing financial and logistical support to militants.
The department further alleged that the suspect was involved in radicalizing young people and encouraging anti-state activities. CTD officials said further investigations are underway and additional disclosures are expected from the accused.
