Maharashtra ATS reforms five terror recruits

In March, a 20-something youth had approached the anti-terror unit seeking 'redemption', just a few months after completing training in making explosives, reconnaissance and brainwashing others to expand the terror network.u00a0

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With the help of police, the youth was neutralised and provided a job in a private firm where he is drawing around Rs 20,000 per month, an ATS official had said.u00a0

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After the youth's successful reformation, five more youngsters, who had undergone similar training but were unwilling to carry out any terror attacks, approached the ATS seeking forgiveness, in April, police said.u00a0

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The ATS did not dampen hopes of the five fresh terror recruits and decided to de-brainwash and provide them a good life. Hailing from different parts of Maharashtra, they had travelled to Pakistan in late 2010 where they trained for three months for using firearms, bomb-making, recruiting others, expanding the terror network, and how to evade the police.u00a0

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They broke down and said they had committed a mistake and had no intention to commit any crime. After verifying their thorough antecedents, the ATS decided not to arrest them.u00a0

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The five are arts and science graduates and one of them was provided a Rs 18,000-a-month job in a private company. After recording their statements, as well as of their family members, the recruits were reformed, police said.u00a0

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The recruits were given Rs 1 lakh each by terror outfits for undergoing training at one of the camps in Pakistan where 26/11 gunman Kasab and his associates were allegedly trained. The 26/11 terrorists were allegedly paid Rs 1.50 lakh each to attack Mumbai, police added.

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