CTD Punjab, intelligence agencies arrest Mumbai attacks' alleged mastermind

The FBI had placed Sajid Mir on its most-wanted list and had offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest

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A reporter talks on her phone as smoke is seen coming from Taj Hotel in Mumbai, November 27, 2008 — Reuters
A reporter talks on her phone as smoke is seen coming from Taj Hotel in Mumbai, November 27, 2008 — Reuters 

In a key development in the investigation of the Mumbai attacks, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Punjab and intelligence agencies have arrested suspect Sajid Mir, Geo News reported on Saturday, citing well-placed sources.

However, the government is reluctant to officially acknowledge Mir's formal detention.

According to government sources, Mir was arrested in a terrorism financing case.

The sources said that Mir was “quietly tried and convicted”, adding that he is currently serving his sentence in Kot Lakhpat Jail.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had placed Mir on its most-wanted criminals list and had offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest.

Mir is allegedly the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks and had been missing since. Rumours of his death had persisted for a long time.