Most wanted terror error: CBI deletes fugitive's profile

The Central Bureau of Investigation has deleted its website profile of Wazhul Qamar Khan who is out on bail in Thane but had figured in the list of India's 50 most wanted fugitives hiding in Pakistan. Government to verify fugitives' list

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has deleted its website profile of Wazhul Qamar Khan who is out on bail in Thane but had figured in the list of India's 50 most wanted fugitives hiding in Pakistan.

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On CBI's website, Khan's profile figured on the page of fugitives against whom there are pending Interpol red corner notices and who are wanted for terror bombings in India. However, the profile was removed immediately after it became known that the government had goofed up on the terror list that was handed over to Pakistan for tracking 50 criminals allegedly hiding in that country.

Khan's name was 41st in the list of fugitives, who include underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, his 20 aides, 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind and Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Saeed and dreaded terrorist Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi.

Khan is accused of involvement in at least four terror blasts and is now awaiting trial for his role as a foot soldier in executing them. He was arrested in May last year but released on bail two months later. He has been living in Maharashtra's Thane district since.

Home Secretary G.K. Pillai, who is meeting intelligence officers Wednesday, has already admitted the mistake saying the list was prepared by intelligence agencies and they should have removed his profile earlier.

"We deeply regret for the blunder," he told TV channels.

The home ministry has ordered an inquiry into the issue.