Headmistress linked to culprits, grilled

Sleuths say Khalida Khan could be an important link to key suspect Rehman.

Crime Branch sleuths are questioning school headmistress Khalida Khan, who they say could be an important link to key suspect Faizal Ata ur Rehman.

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Deputy Commissioner of Police (crime) Dhananjay Kamlakar confirmed the ongoing interrogation, but said he did not have too many details. “But we will give you more information soon,” added Kamlakar.

Investigators said they believed Khan had received huge amounts from operatives in Saudi Arabia. That money was then passed on to Faizal Rehman and Muzzamil Shaikh, both of whom have been arrested in connection with the 11/7 blasts.

According to a Crime Branch official, Khan was employed as a headmistress of a school in Masjid Bunder. Her name came to the attention of Intelligence Bureau sleuths after they started keeping tabs on hawala operators in Mumbai. Khan had come under the police scanner over the last few months and was picked up by unit 2 of the Crime Branch on Tuesday afternoon.

Police sources said the AntiTerrorist Squad could question Khan. Investigators are hopeful that Khan’s arrest will lead them to other members of the sleeper module. Her statements will be corroborated with what Rehman and Shaikh have told the police.

Incidentally, Khan is the first woman suspect questioned in connection with the 11/7 blasts. But it’s still not clear exactly how much evidence is available against her, or when the case would come up for hearing.