Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Jan 12: Reportedly, Riaz Bhatkal, accused of being involved with various terrorist and communal activities across the state as well as the country, has been killed by unknown assailants. Riaz, who hails from Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district, has successfully evaded arrest so far, although his family members live in Bhatkal.

Central intelligence agencies suspect that this is the handiwork of fugitives loyal to underworld don, Dawood Ibrahim. However, they are in the dark about the motive of the murder, and also as to whether the man found killed is actually Riaz or someone else having resemblance to him.

Riaz has been facing charges of masterminding several terrorist activities including serial blasts in Bangalore in 2008. He reportedly got involved with Pakistan-based terrorist organization, Lashkar-e-Toiba, after a communal flare up in Bhatkal a few years ago. He also had close links with Indian Mujahideen and some other terrorist organizations.