Accused’s family not talking to media

Following the arrest of Riyaz Sheikh (23) and his brother in law, Abdul Latif Sheikh (29) by the Maharashtra ATS for their alleged links with the Pakistan-based terrorist outfit, his parents refused to speak with the media on Monday, reports Rachna Pratihar.

Following the arrest of Riyaz Sheikh (23) and his brother in law, Abdul Latif Sheikh (29) by the Maharashtra Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) for their alleged links with the Pakistan-based terrorist outfit, his parents refused to speak with the media on Monday.

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They were not available at their Dahisar residence and several calls made to the cell phone of Abu Bakr Sheikh (60), Riyaz’s father were not answered.

The family stays in a rented house at Ratan Nagar area of Dahisar (East) since 10 months. According to a cousin of Riyaz, who requested that his name be withheld as he feared police harassment, Riyaz had left the house on Friday around 10.30 am along with his father and mother, Aziza.

Family members claimed that both Riyaz and Latif never had anything to do with terrorism. “He would go to work in the morning and return home by 11.30 pm. He did not go out of station,” said another cousin.

The cousin further explained that the only time police visited Riyaz’s house was six months ago. “Riyaz had been in a relationship with a Gujarati girl for about one and a half years. The girl’s parents complained against him leading to the Malad police arresting him. Later when the girl testified that she had got into the relationship by her wish, Riyas was released,” Aziz said.