Anees gone: Delhi ticks off Dubai

Diplomatic sources in Abu Dhabi said the Indian mission was awaiting Saad8217;s reply which would, in turn, be conveyed to the CBI.

As the fiasco over Anees8217;s release is being discussed in diplomatic and intelligence circles here, it becomes evident that along with the underworld Pakistani intelligence networks going on an overdrive, the Indian foreign office, too, did not provide the punch needed.

The absence of the Ambassador from Abu Dhabi till December 7 Anees was arrested either on the 3rd or 4th is being cited as one contributory factor.

More importantly, Indian diplomats could not provide the crucial access to the CBI team lead by DIG Arun Gupta, which arrived in Dubai on December 8. CBI officials now admit that while they were extended 8216;8216;full co-operation8217;8217; by the Interpol wing in Dubai for two days after their arrival, subsequently all lines of communication went cold.

Significantly, Gupta was clearly told by a Major-rank officer of the Interpol Wing that Anees had been arrested on the basis of India8217;s Red Corner Notice. There was no mention of Anees being wanted for the murder of Irfan Goga in Dubai as made out later.

The CBI team was also advised by Interpol officials that this was a fit case for deportation. When asked, the officials were clearly told the deportation would be to India and not Pakistan, though he had a Pak pasport when he was picked up. And that an early appointment would be arranged for the CBI with the Attorney.

Sources say that it was from December 10 that channels of communications snapped. 8216;8216;Phones kept ringing, mobiles were not picked up, nobody was available for appointments. We simply sat in the Indian mission and followed devlopments in the media,8217;8217; a key official said.

Diplomats in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, however, said this could have been because of the weekend break.

Intelligence officials in New Delhi said they had reason to believe that once a decision had been taken to release him, Anees was flown to Karachi. They fear that he may now be moved to another destination and given fresh ID and travel documents.

8216;8216;When someone with so much clout is nabbed, it is a question of who wields how much clout and which country has invested bigger assets. India clearly lost out. Now, it is only a question of what cover-up we will be fed with,8217;8217; an official said.