Probe ordered into Pakistani terrorists’ escape (Lead, Superseding earlier story)

NEW DELHI - Delhi’s Lt. Governor Tejinder Khanna Sunday ordered an inquiry into the dramatic escape of three Pakistani terrorists from a hospital here Saturday even as police announced a reward for information leading to their capture.

“A magisterial inquiry has been ordered by the Lt. Governor into the escape of three Pakistani terrorists yesterday,” Delhi Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta said in a statement.

Abdul Razzak, 61, Rafaket Ali, 55, and Mohammad Saddique, 55 escaped from the G.B. Pant Hospital, hoodwinking officials from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) escorting them.

Delhi Police Sunday released the photographs of the three men and announced a reward of Rs.50,000 each for information that could lead to their arrest.

“Any clue pertaining to their location can be given to the … Special Cell. A reward of Rs.50,000 each will be given on their arrest,” a police official said.

Mehta said the deputy commissioner of Delhi’s Northwest District, D.P. Dwivedi, would inquire how the three terrorists managed to escape although they were supposed to be under guard.

“Dwivedi has been asked to submit his report in a week’s time. He has been directed to go into all circumstances, including their visit to (the) hospital, and any lapse in the security which led to their escape.”

Mehta said: “The inquiry would suggest measures to curb recurrence of such incidents. The Lt. Governor has (also) asked Delhi Police to go all out to nab the escaped terrorists.”

Police said the three Pakistanis were arrested in 2000 for planting a bomb near the Delhi airport. A large quantity of RDX was seized from them.

The three had served their sentences and were to be deported to Pakistan. They were taken to G.B.Pant Hospital for a medical check-up prior to their deportation when they escaped.