Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The startling disclosures of Ghulam Rasool alias Chhotu has shocked the intelligence agencies by claiming that he had full backing of over one and half dozen elected people – members of the national and provincial assemblies.

Sources told Daily Times that as many as 13 accomplices of Chhotu have been handed over to the Punjab Police whereas the main culprit is still in the custody of country’s premier intelligence agency.

During the investigation, it has been learnt, Chhotu shared important information about his criminal activities which, according to him, had complete support of political leaders belonging to different political parties.

Sources said the chief of Chhotu gang has disclosed complete details of 11 members of the provincial assemblies – from Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan – and six members of the National Assembly who remained in touch with him until his arrest. “He has provided us all the details… for whom he was undertaking criminal activities and at what cost,” a source privy to the investigation said requesting anonymity. The source said Chhotu was in close liaison with some ‘elected members’ who would use him for their political motives.

Another source said Chhotu had also confessed to his contacts with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). “He would provide shelter to TTP operatives and some Baloch separatists in Katcha area. He would receive handsome amount of money against this service,” the source maintained. The source said Chhotu would receive hefty amount from some ‘elected people’ as well upon accomplishment of the assigned criminal tasks. The intelligence agency was shocked to know that Chhotu enjoyed covert support from some high-ups of the Punjab police as well. “We have come to know that the police devised a plan to eliminate Chhotu once and for all. Some 24 policemen were taken hostage by Chhotu and police had a plan to kill him in the rescue operation,” the source said.

But, the source maintained, army and Rangers foiled police’s plan by capturing Chhotu alive. The 24 hostages were also recovered unharmed.

The intelligence agency has started working on the list of elected persons provided by Chhotu. “We are thoroughly going through the list and checking its authenticity. If proved true, we will broaden the scope of our investigation,” an official close to ongoing investigations said.

Sources said that head of Punjab police has tried his best to seek custody of Chhotu but the intelligence agency has categorically turned down his request till completion of the investigation.

“Chhotu will remain in the custody of the intelligence agency for investigation.