LAHORE: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on Thursday conducted raids across different cities of Punjab in connection with the Johar Town blast and arrested several suspects.
Four people were killed and 23 others were injured when an explosive-laden vehicle blew up in Johar Town on Wednesday morning. The CTD apprehended several suspects during raids in various cities of Punjab.
A first investigation report (FIR) was registered by the Counter-Terrorism Department on the complaint of SHO City Police Station Abid Baig against unknown suspects in the blast.
The FIR has been filed under the charges of murder, attempt to murder, terrorism and the explosives act. Three unknown suspects have been mentioned in the complaint.
CTD and intelligence agencies have collected the evidence from the crime scene including ball bearing and broken part of the vehicle used in the incident. Law enforcement agencies have also started geo-fencing the area to help with the investigation.
Meanwhile, the security agencies have arrested the owner of the vehicle used in the blast. The owner of the vehicle is reportedly a resident of Hafizabad who has been arrested by security officials for investigation. The car used to carry out a bomb explosion was stolen and was being driven on an open letter after being sold by the Hafizabad resident two years ago.
A preliminary report of a probe by investigative agencies was submitted to Inspector General Punjab Inam Ghani. The report will be presented to Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar.
According to the initial report, more than 30kg of explosives were used in the blast. Ball bearings, nails and other explosives were among the objects used in the bomb.
The initial report states that the material had been planted onto a car and the device was detonated remotely. A 3-foot deep and 8-foot wide crater has formed at the site of the blast which caused damage within a 100-square-foot radius, the report said.
Speaking to the media at the site of the blast, Punjab IG Inam Ghani confirmed that it was a bomb blast. He said the vehicle could not reach its target due to police barriers. He added that police was the target of the bomb blast.
