150-200 kg explosives used in attack on Chaudhry Aslam

KARACHI: The initial probe report of the blast in which SP CID Chaudhry Aslam and two others were killed has been prepared by the police.

The investigation team probing the blast is being headed by DIG Zafar Bukhari and SSP CID Niaz Khoso. According to the team’s initial findings, a pick-up packed with explosives and chemicals was rammed into Aslam’s vehicle. Police say 150-200 kilograms of explosives and chemicals were used in the attack.

The report states that explosives and chemicals were placed in a plastic drum and there was no evidence of a device, remote control, ball bearings and nut bolts being used in the blast.

While talking to the media at the blast site, DIG Zafar Bukhari said a hand and other body parts were found, which are being tested to ascertain finger prints and DNA with the help of NADRA.

He further said forensic evidence is being collected and the probe is underway to find which vehicle was used in the attack. He continued saying that Chaudhry Aslam came under attack five times but he continued hunting terrorists despite threats to his own life.

DIG Zafar added that words were not enough to pay tribute to Aslam and his track record spoke volumes for his bravery.

He reiterated that such tragedies cannot mar the spirits of the police department and it will continue to operate against anti-state elements and criminals.

It is pertinent to mention here that senior police officer Chaudhry Aslam, who led the operations against militants and extremists in Karachi for years, was killed on Thursday afternoon when a powerful blast destroyed his vehicle on the Lyari Expressway. His guard and driver were also killed in the attack while 14 others including police officials were wounded.

The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Mohmand Agency claimed responsibility for the attack, saying that Chaudhry Aslam was targeted for killing their several members including Arif alias Dr. Maqbool and Abdur Rehman in October 2013.

His funeral prayers will be offered today after Asr prayers at Police Headquarter, Garden.