JODHPUR, India - Police in the western Indian state of Rajasthan bordering Pakistan Tuesday arrested four people allegedly running a racket that sent unemployed Indian youths across the border for "terrorist training". Police said the operation was being conducted by Pakistan's secret service, the Inter Service Intelligence (ISI). The alleged gang was busted when Syed Imran, 23, a resident of Nanded, was caught at the international border adjoining Barmer district by the Border Security Force (BSF) and later handed over to local police. Police sources said that while he was in custody, Imran tried to commit suicide twice and a close watch was now being kept on him.
| "Honest! He kept throwin' himself down the stairs and bangin' against doors!" |
Director General of Police (Intelligence) Arun Kumar Duggar said police also arrested three of Imran's accomplices and more arrests were expected in Rajasthan and neighbouring Maharashtra state. During interrogation, Duggar said Imran disclosed "many astonishing facts" and admitted he too was trying to cross over to Pakistan for training to become a "fidayeen" (suicide bomber). Police sources said Imran has a technology degree and was unemployed. A camera, without a film roll, and a diary containing the names and telephone numbers of top ISI officers in Pakistan were found in his possession. |