New Delhi, Dec 08: Lashkar-e-Taiba militant Mohammed Arif, main accused in December 2000 red fort attack case, got hawala money from an Afghan trader here for carrying terrorist activities, police informed a local court today. Police told additional sessions Judge O P Saini that Arif Alias Ashfaq, a Pakistani, had reportedly revealed during interrogation that he received money for terrorist activities from Afghan national Sher Zaman, who was running a shop in Afghani market at Ballimaran in the walled city area.
Zaman, a proclaimed offender, is wanted in many cases.
Police also produced public witness Idresh Khan, an Afghani and president of shop owners' association at Afghani market, to prove its point.
On January 12, 2001, Idresh had gone, along with a police team and Ashfaq, to Zaman's shop from where police recovered Rs 1,01,100, a stapling machine and some documents. Idresh identified Ashfaq and the goods before the court and supported the prosecution case.
Meanwhile, as there are several army personnel who are witnesses in the case, army, on a request by Delhi Police, appointed Captain Harpreet Singh as nodal officer to coordinate with the court and police.
Two LeT militants sneaked into 17th century monument on December 22, 2000 and opened indiscriminate fire on the guards of 7th battalion of Rajputana Rifles stationed there leading to the death of three persons.
Bureau Report