Terror suspect's associates held

Hyderabad, Sep 5 (UNI) The police picked up four associates of Mohammed Shakil, who was accused of plotting to fan communal tension in the city during the Ganesh idol immersion ceremony on September 6 by killing a BJP or VHP leader.

Police said Abrar, Shafiq, Faiq and Billa were picked up last night. The gang planned to eliminate Saidabad BJP Leader Sampath Kumar and even reportedly procured the weapons. Investigation showed the gang conducted a recce to execute their plan effectively.

Shakil's arrest on September 3 brought to light the conspiracy to create tension in the city during Ganesh festivities.

Faiq is one of the accused in the Police Task Force Office Blast Case while M Billa is the brother of Mujahid who was killed by Gujarat Police here in 2004 before the DGP office.

The gang also planned to target other leaders if their first plan failed, police sources said.

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