Asia-Pacific

Indian police foil attack plot; 2 arrested

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-03-14 21:29

MUMBAI - The Mumbai Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) has arrested two persons were allegedly planning to blow up vital installations in India's financial capital Mumbai, said police on Sunday.

The two suspects, Abdul Latif Rashid, 29, and Riyaz Ali, 23, were picked up by the security agency from Central Mumbai.

The arrests have come amidst a terror alert in the high profile industrial city of Kochi in Kerala, southern India.

"The duo have applied for passports and wanted to flee to Pakistan. But before fleeing they wanted to orchestra a big strike, " an ATS officer told reporters here.

"They have in fact identified three places in the city: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) establishments, Mangla Market, and the Thakkar Mall," he further said, adding that "before they could do this, we have nabbed them."

The two terror suspects revealed that they had instructions from someone called "Uncle" to carry out the task. The identity of the "uncle" is yet to be revealed by police.

The police have also recovered maps of other vital installations of the city from them.

The two suspects were sent to police custody till March 18, before charges are filed against them on suspected terrorist act, said police.

Meanwhile ONGC chief R.S. Sharma said ONGC received intelligence inputs 10 days ago.

"We have issued stringent instructions to strengthen security measures and improve surveillance. We are on high alert and have done whatever we can within our competence to improve security," said Sharma.