Probe into terror suspect allegedly using mobile phone at prison should be handed to NIA: BJP leader
Bengaluru (PTI): Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Legislative Assembly R Ashoka on Tuesday demanded that the case concerning a terror suspect allegedly using a mobile phone in the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail here be handed over to the NIA for a detailed probe.
The BJP leader said an investigation needs to be done to find out as to with whom the terror suspect was in contact over the phone.
He also expressed suspicion about any links between the terror suspect and those connected to the blast near the Red Fort in Delhi on Monday, that left 12 people dead.
Recently, there was a row over videos purportedly showing inmates, including notorious criminals and a terror suspect enjoying preferential treatment inside the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in Bengaluru.
The videos that had emerged last week allegedly showed notorious criminals, including serial rapist Umesh Reddy and a terror suspect who is said to be -- Juhad Hameed Shakeel Manna, using smartphones, as part of the alleged preferential treatment they enjoyed inside the high-security prison.
"There is suspicion that the incident in Delhi was a terrorist act. It is yet to be confirmed and central probe agencies have arrested some people in connection with the incident. At the same time, an incident has come to light where a terror suspect used a mobile phone in Parappana Agrahara jail," Ashoka said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "It needs to be probed whether the terror suspect at the Parappana Agrahara prison has any links with the perpetrators behind the blast in Delhi. Was he in any way directly or indirectly involved? This is very important. The investigation has to be done in this angle too. For the probe in this angle, the investigation should be given to the National Investigation Agency."
"With whom was he talking over the phone? Who supplied him the phone? Who is behind it? All of this has to come out. This is an act of treason and a matter concerning national security," Ashoka said, expressing suspicion.
Noting that doctors and other highly educated people are indulging in terror activities, the BJP leader, pointing at the Delhi blast, incident said they are "high-tech terrorists", and there is need to be more vigilant about them.
Appeasement of a particular community by the Congress is the reason for all of this, he alleged.
The blast took place in a slow-moving car at a traffic signal near the Red Fort metro station on Monday evening, killing 12 people and gutting several vehicles, officials said.
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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
