Int agencies to probe role of escaped LeT men in CRPF camp attack

Lucknow, Jan 1 (UNI) The Central Intelligence Agencies are probing the role of two Lashkar-e-Toiba (Let) militants for their possible involvement in today's fidayeen attack on the CRPF centre in Rampur, which left eight people dead.

Sources reminded that Maqsood Ahmed and Mohd Sayeed had escaped from the Lucknow police custody in February last year. Two Pakistani were also involved in the October, 2001 attack on CRPF camp in Jharoda Kalan, which had left one paramilitary constable dead.

''We cannot rule out their involvement as they are trained and have experience in attacking security establishments,'' said an official.

In true filmy style, on February 27, 2007, the two LeT operatives had escaped from the crowded district and sessions court campus here, opening fire in the air.

The Lucknow police and Special Task Force had launched a futile joint combing operation in the nearby Nai Basti, a congested locality and other areas adjoining the city station.

The LeT operatives were detained under the Prevention of Terrorist Act (POTA), for their involvement in the 2001 attack on a CRPF camp in Jharoda Kalan in Delhi.

The two were brought to the court at 1100 hrs as their case was listed for hearing at 1230 hrs. Around 1130 hrs, as they were waiting outside the crowded courtroom for their turn, the LeT operatives asked for permission to go to the toilet.

The escape drama began when they emerged from the toilet, STF sources said. One of the LeT operatives armed with a pistol fired in the air and both ran outside the court with a policeman in hot pursuit. However, the LeT operatives mixed into the crowd.

Eyewitness said they asked for one Vicky in Nai Basti and later escaped into the lanes and bylanes dotting the area on two motorcycles driven by two unidentified youth.

UNI NAB MB SW GC1734