LAHORE, Nov 29: Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) police claimed on Monday to have arrested a key Taliban/Al Qaeda activist wanted in a terrorist attack on Sri Lanka’s cricket team. A police handout, however, says the suspect belongs to the banned Lashkar-i-Jhangvi.

Lahore CIA Superintendent of Police Umer Virk told Dawn that suspected militant Abdul Wahab, alias Umar, was going to attend an annual congregation in Raiwind when the anti-terrorism squad of the CIA arrested him without facing any resistance.

Mr Virk sees the arrest of Wahab, who has undercover names Irfan and Umor Daraz, a big catch, saying that major revelations are expected from the Al Qaeda member who had been a proclaimed offender since the deadly attack on Sri Lankan cricket team in March, 2009.

The suspect, a resident of Dera Ismail Khan, along with three other people had attacked the convoy of the Sri Lankan cricket team near Liberty Chowk. Efforts are underway for the arrest of his accomplices, he said.

A senior police officer told Dawn seeking anonymity that Wahab was identified through CCTV footage, adding that some seven assailants were recognised through CCTV footage.

He said two of these suspects had already been taken into custody and they were facing trial in an anti-terrorism court.

He said there were reports that the alleged militants involved in the attack on Sri Lankan cricket team had been using Raiwind as hideout.

When asked about the head money on Wahab, he said the police had forwarded recommendations in 2009 to fix the price on all the seven terrorists, including Wahab.

The handout says Wahab got training from Waziristan in making suicide vest, car bombs and operating sophisticated weapons.