3 Jan, 2010, New Delhi, India

The national capital is on a high alert in the wake of three Pakistani terrorists escaping the authorities late on Saturday. The Pakistani nationals named as Abdul Razzak, Mohammed Sadiq and Rafaqat Ali were arrested in the connection with the blasts near the Red Fort nine years ago, escaped when they were being escorted to hospital for the treatment. The terrorists were being escorted by Meghalaya police personnel, who were on deputation to the Delhi Police’s Special Branch.

The three, who were convicted under the Narcotic, Drug and Psychotropic Substance (NDPS) Act for possession of heroin, were to be deported to Pakistan as they had already completed their sentence. The incident left the authorities red faced and a red alert has been sounded in the national capital and other neighboring areas.

Delhi Police spokesman, Rajan Bhagat claimed that the three Pakistanis, who were in detention of the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), escaped while returning from a medical check-up at a hospital.
Delhi Police has clarified that the three were being taken to Guru Nanak Eye Hospital.
FRRO denied that it had anything to do with the three Pakistanis saying the custody of such prisoners was always with the Special Branch of the Delhi Police. After the escape, Delhi Police registered a fresh case against the trio to violate the restraint order of the Foreigners Act. Home Ministry officials have said that a red alert was sounded in Delhi and adjoining areas to nab the fleeing terrorists.