Suspected terrorist Arshad Khan sent to police custody

New Delhi, Aug 13: Pakistani national Arshad Khan, arrested in connection with alleged conspiracy of Lashkar-e- Toiba to carry out attacks in Delhi and adjoining areas, was today remanded to nine days police custody by a Delhi court.

Arshad, who was lodged in Kolkata jail in connection with shoe baron Partha Roy Burman kidnapping case of 2001, was today produced before the court here in pursuance to the production warrant issued against him. The Special Cell of Delhi Police arrested Arshad and sought his custodial interrogation for nine days, saying he was required to be quizzed to unearth the whole conspiracy and to know about the "penetration of LeT in Delhi and other parts of India".

"Accused Arshad is to be interrogated to unearth the whole conspiracy for executing a terrorist strike in Delhi and neighbouring areas by the accused and to know the penetration of LeT in Delhi and other parts of India," the police told Additional Sessions Judge Reetesh Singh.

The police also said Arshad was needed to be interrogated about absconding top LeT commander Javed Baluchi, who is based in Pakistan.

"Accused Arshad has to be interrogated about the wanted accused Javed Baluchi based in Pakistan and other persons involved in the conspiracy. It is, therefore, requested that nine days police custody remand of Arshad may kindly be granted," the police said.

During the hearing, advocate M S Khan, who appeared for Arshad, vehemently opposed the contentions of the police saying his client was nowhere connected with this case. Khan also argued that there was no need to grant nine days police custody.

The court, however, remanded Arshad to police custody till August 21. The court had earlier sent suspected LeT operatives Abdul Subhan and his nephew Asahbuddin, arrested in the case, to judicial custody. Meanwhile, the court today issued production warrants seeking presence of Subhan and Asahbuddin before it tomorrow.

PTI