Another witness points toward Baitullah Mehsud involvement in Benazir assassination

Kabul, Mar 4 (ANI): Magistrate Ahmed Mansoor Janjua has said Abdul Rasheed, the main accused behind the October 8 suicide blast on Benazir Bhutto's rally, has told him that the attack was planned and orchestrated by Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud.

During the hearing of Benazir Bhutto murder case in a special Anti-Terrorism Court, Janjua said that he had told Rasheed that his statements could be held against him, but Rasheed replied that he was giving the statements without any pressure, the Daily Times reports.

Janjua told the court that Rasheed confessed that Mehsud not only brought two suicide bombers from Waziristan but also handed him Rs400,000 to carry out the task.

The suicide bombers were taken for a survey of Liaquat Bagh a day before the rally. The map of the area was explained to them, and after spending the night with Rafaqat and Hussain - both currently under arrest - the bombers arrived at the rally venue five hours before it began, detailed Janjua.

He further said both the bombers were supposed to detonate themselves, but the target was achieved after Bilal blew himself up, adding that Mehsud took the other bomber Ikramullah back to South Waziristan after he was informed of a successful attack.

In the next hearing of the case, four more government witnesses will record their statements. (ANI)