FBI launches probe into Taxila attack

Published August 10, 2002

ISLAMABAD, Aug 9: The FBI experts launched their own investigation into Christian hospital chapel terrorist attack in Taxila on Friday, which left three nurses and one assailant killed and 25 others injured, official source said.

In this regard, a three-member team of the Federal Bureau of Investigation visited the scene of the incident on Friday. They collected pieces of grenades used by the terrorists and also took samples of the damaged parts of the chapel building.

In another move, DSP Khan Sikander and SHO Malik Arshad of Taxila have been suspended with immediate effect on charges of negligence. According to sources, neither any policeman was on duty in the area nor was there any patrolling when the terrorists’ attack took place.

A source said the interior minister summoned the newly-posted DIG, Rawalpindi, Israr Ahmed, on Friday afternoon and expressed his deep concern over the terrorist attack.

Meanwhile, the body of an alleged terrorist, who was also killed in the hospital attack, was shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital for identification, the police and hospital authorities said.

The bodies of the three nurses killed in the attack were sent to their native towns after autopsy. Nazeeran Bibi, aged 26, was from Layyiah; Ms Joil was from Wah; and Bushra Perveen, aged 22, lived in Faisal Colony, Taxila.