Waliullah’s ARREST has brought two things into sharp focus.
One: It has laid bare the total failure of intelligence agencies in keeping a tab on him with the result that this man with definite terror links went about pursuing his ways to such an extent that his involvement in the Shramjeevi Express blast and the twin blasts in Varanasi has now come to light following his confession after arrest by the STF.
Two: Political parties and its leaders at times (un)wittingly commit such mistakes which later go on to become eyesores.
For, it is being felt now that Waliullah after his arrest in 2001 on charges of treason for harbouring terrorists, would probably have been a changed man in case some local political leaders had not jumped into the fray declaring him an innocent man who had become a victim of police high handedness.
Such appeasement emboldened this man to such an extent that caring two hoots for the consequences he went about doing what he thought was right, say police sources.
As a result after his release from the Naini jail he was received with open arms by the people of Phulpur town who considered him as an innocent man who had been wronged for no fault on his part.
To recall, a local senior Samajwadi Party leader came all the way from Delhi to protest against Waliullah's arrest in 2001. A big show was organised. Phulpur township witnessed a bandh and a meeting was held in which this leader had declared: ''What to say of Waliullah not even a single person from the minority community can be involved in such acts''. Allegations were heaped on the then ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) in the State for acting against the minorities.
{{/usCountry}}To recall, a local senior Samajwadi Party leader came all the way from Delhi to protest against Waliullah's arrest in 2001. A big show was organised. Phulpur township witnessed a bandh and a meeting was held in which this leader had declared: ''What to say of Waliullah not even a single person from the minority community can be involved in such acts''. Allegations were heaped on the then ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) in the State for acting against the minorities.
{{/usCountry}}Interestingly, the Samajwadi Party was in the opposition then. Five years later when Waliullah has been arrested again the Samajwadi Party is ruling the State.
On the other hand police officers of the district are feeling highly relieved with the arrest of this man who could have given them sleepless nights in case he had not been arrested. The forthcoming Ardh Kumbh which could have been a soft target of terror attack has made cops think on these lines. It is said that thieves usually spare the neighbour's house but Waliullah appears to be a man with no compassion for even his neighbour. That is why he chose Varanasi as a target, remarked a police officer. If he could plan an attack in Varanasi he could have acted on similar lines during the Ardh Kumbh in the city slated to be held in January 2007, remarked another cop.