CTD Claims Arrest of RAW-Linked Suspects, Uncovers Terror Network

The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) announced on Saturday the apprehension of four individuals allegedly connected to India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). The CTD asserts they have dismantled a significant terrorist infrastructure, including operational safe houses located in Karachi.

According to statements released by the CTD, this operation was executed in collaboration with various federal intelligence units.

The CTD further stated the entire network associated with RAW has been brought to light, leading to a total of six arrests thus far.

CTD Additional Inspector General Azad Khan conveyed during a press briefing that these arrests, made on July 8, are linked to the murder of a 45-year-old man in Badin on May 18, 2025.

Investigation Details

During the investigative process, authorities discovered an expansive network reportedly managed by a RAW operative named Sanjay, operating from a foreign location, who maintained consistent communication with the suspects and directed the plotted events.

According to Khan, the suspects performed surveillance activities for five days in Matli, Badin, prior to the commission of the crime. Security footage and eyewitness testimony corroborated the presence of three of the arrested suspects at the crime location. He added that Indian media coverage celebrated the incident, further alluding to RAW involvement.

RAW Operative Identified

Khan identified the RAW operative as Sanjay Sanjeev Kumar, located in a Gulf state, who allegedly recruited two Pakistani nationals for the mission.

The network involved a group led by a suspect named Salman, including Umair, Sajad, Obaid, and Shakeel.

Financial Transactions

He revealed that RAW invested considerable funds in the operation, with funds transferred via banking channels and other means. Sanjay, also known as “Fouji”, sent funds from Gulf nations to Salman, who then convened with the apprehended suspects in Hyderabad. The suspects lodged in a local hotel for five days before proceeding to Matli to carry out the plot.

Post-attack, Salman is reported to have escaped to Nepal.

Investigators have substantiated that financial transfers made through bank accounts for this operation serve as evidence of terror funding.

A terror financing case has been formally registered in light of these revelations.

Those arrested have been identified as Amir Asghar, Sajad, Obaid, Shakeel, Arslan, and Talha Umair.

The CTD official noted that the arrests were based on technical evidence collected during the inquiry.

Evidence Recovered

Authorities confiscated a 9mm handgun, a 30-bore handgun, cell phones, and a motorcycle from the suspects, he reported.

Khan further noted that the victim, Abdur Rehman, a local barber recognized for his community support, was fatally shot in front of his shop in Matli on May 18.

The suspects had previously conducted surveillance on the victim on May 13.

The CTD official further explained that RAW not only directed the operation but also used a separatist organization as a proxy.

Investigators discovered concrete proof that a banned organization assisted in the attack.

“Such terrorist acts can be classified as state-sponsored terrorism,” Khan remarked, stating that Pakistan intends to address this issue at all relevant forums.

He emphasized that RAW’s involvement has been firmly established, with suspects confessing to acting as agents for the Indian agency. Investigators also possess their travel records.

Khan confirmed that further arrests are anticipated as investigations into suspect statements, recovered materials, financial transactions, and RAW’s overall role continue.