KARACHI: In a major breakthrough, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) announced on Saturday the dismantling of a terrorist network allegedly operated by India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) in Karachi. Six individuals have been taken into custody as part of a joint operation with federal intelligence agencies.
According to CTD officials, the arrests were made in connection with the targeted killing of a local barber, Abdur Rehman, in Matli, Badin, on May 18, 2025. Rehman, 45, was known in his community for his charitable efforts.
Speaking at a press conference, Additional IG CTD Azad Khan disclosed that the suspects were apprehended on July 8. Their interrogation led investigators to uncover what they described as an extensive RAW-backed network operating covertly in the city.The operation, reportedly overseen by an Indian handler named Sanjay Sanjeev Kumar—alias “Fouji”—who is believed to be based in a Gulf country, was coordinated through digital communications and financial transactions.
The network included a gang formed by a suspect named Salman, comprising Umair, Sajad, Obaid and Shakeel.He revealed that RAW had spent a huge sum on the operation, transferring funds through bank channels and other sources. Sanjay, also known as “Fouji”, sent money from Gulf states to his associate, Salman, who later met the arrested suspects in Hyderabad. The suspects stayed in a local hotel for five days before travelling to Matli to execute the plot.
After the attack, Salman fled to Nepal.
Investigators confirmed that the money transferred through bank accounts for the operation provided proof of terror financing.
Following these findings, a case of terrorism financing was also registered.
The arrested individuals were identified as Amir Asghar, Sajad, Obaid, Shakeel, Arslan and Talha Umair.The CTD official said the arrests were made on technical grounds during the investigation.From their possession, authorities recovered a 9mm pistol, a 30-bore pistol, mobile phones, and a motorcycle, he added.
Khan further revealed that the victim, Abdur Rehman, was a local barber known for his welfare work, who was shot dead outside his shop in Matli on 18 May.The suspects had earlier carried out surveillance of the victim on 13 May.The CTD official further said that RAW not only directed the operation but also exploited a separatist organisation as a proxy.Investigators found clear evidence that a proscribed organisation facilitated the attack.“Such acts of terrorism fall under the category of state-sponsored terrorism,” Khan remarked, adding that Pakistan would raise the matter at every forum.
He stressed that RAW’s involvement had been fully established, as the suspects had admitted to working as agents for the Indian agency. Their travel history was also in possession of investigators.Khan confirmed that more arrests are expected as probes into suspects’ statements, recoveries, bank transactions and RAW’s role continue.
