Mastermind behind Aligarh serial killings arrested

Aligarh, July 10 (UNI) Police today claimed to have arrested the mastermind behind the serial killings in the aftermath of Aligarh communal riots.

Addressing a joint news conference here, SSP Akhil Kumar and DM Anil Sagar said the arrested accused Parvez Ahmad had conspired to avenge the killing of members of the minority community in the April 6 riots.

Parvez conspired with notorious local criminals identified as Sahmuddin, Wasim, Owais, Chand and Omar to prepare a list of targets.

Mr Kumar said these criminals later killed three persons including Raman and BJP leader O P Lala, who figured in the list.

These murders had sparked further communal riots in the town, following which curfew was imposed in Aligarh.

The conspiracy came to light, when Sahmuddin was gunned down in the kidnapping case of Dr Mannan Wasanwala, who was abducted on June 20. The slain criminal was identified as the sharpshooter, who had also gunned down Lala.

On basis of Sahmuddin's cell phone diary, cops arrested Parvez from his residence yesterday.

During sustained interrogation, he spilled the beans regarding the conspiracy of Aligarh serial murders.

Mr Kumar said Parvez is a resident of Firdausnagar in Civil Lines area and also claimes to be the district president of Parcham Party.

Meanwhile, the DM and SSP have denied the possibility of a bigger hand behind the Aligarh serial murders conspiracy.

Further investigations were on.

UNI XC-VS VD HS2103