Reward offered for escaped Pakistani terrorists’ capture

NEW DELHI - Left red faced after three Pakistani terrorists gave police a slip Saturday, the Delhi government Sunday ordered an inquiry into the incident and announced a cash reward of Rs.50,000 each on information leading to their arrest.

A magisterial inquiry has been ordered by the lt-governor into the escape of three Pakistani terrorists yesterday (Saturday), said state Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta in an official statement here.

The three terrorists - Abdul Razzak, 61, Rafaket Ali, 55, and Mohammad Saddique, 55 - managed to escape from the G.B. Pant Hospital in New Delhi area, hoodwinking Foreigners Regional Registration (FRRO) officials who were escorting them.

Delhi Police also released the photographs of the three and announced a reward of Rs.50,000 each for information leading to their arrest.

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

Mehta said the inquiry would be held by the deputy commissioner of Northwest district into how the three terrorists managed to escape.

Deputy Commissioner, northwest district, D.P. 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 a city government hospital, and any lapse in the security which led to their escape, he added.

Mehta said: The inquiry would suggest measures to curb recurrence of such incidents. The lt. governor has 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 back to their country. They were taken to G.B.Pant Hospital for medical check-up prior to their deportation.