NIA probes Hizbul link in Delhi HC blast case

New Delhi: The National Investigating Agency (NIA) has claimed that Wasim Akram Malik - a resident of Kishtwaar, Jammu and a student of Osmani Medical College, Bangladesh - masterminded the Delhi High Court blast that left 15 people dead and 80 injured.

Malik was arrested after the questioning of the two schoolboys who allegedly sent the e-mail claiming responsibility of the blast.

The NIA claimed that Malik was deeply influenced by Jehadi literature and had first shared his terror plans with his younger brother and a close friend Aamir Kamal in June 2011 - both of whom are alleged Hizbul terrorists active in Kistwar region.

Sources said that suspect Wasim Akram Malik also had Bangalore, Mumbai and Pune on his terror list.

After sharing plans with his brother and friend, Wasim travelled to Delhi to survey the High Court. After returning, his 17 year old brother introduced him to Chotha Hafeez, a senior Hizbul terrorist who assured them of all help.

In august this year, the group started giving final shape to the conspiracy and Chota Hafeez deputed two Pakistani terrorists Saifullah and Bilal to recce the Gate No. 5 of the Delhi High Court. They chose the location because of the large public presence on a daily basis.

The group was also in touch with Jahangir Suroori, the Hizbul Commander for the Kishtwar region.

After a final meeting on September 3, Saifullah and Bilal left for Delhi with an IED provided by Suroori.

NIA has also assessed the entire operation was managed at a very low cost.

Sources also told CNN-IBN that Wasim Akram Malik had Bangalore, Mumbai and Pune on his terror list, but decided against any further attacks for a year.

NIA's investigations point towards the involvement of Hizbul Mujahideen in the attack. With three arrests and the conspiracy cracked, the challenge before investigators is to nab the remaining players behind it.

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