INVESTIGATION into the Sholakia attack has made little progress. Meanwhile, the only attacker caught alive from the scene was killed reportedly, in a gunfight between law enforcers and militants taking the tally of terror-suspects killed in such gunfights with law enforcers in the past 2 months to 19.

While suspected terrorists continue to be killed in gunfights, masterminds of such attacks remain at large and key information that could lead to their identification, disappointingly, also dies with the suspects. This trend is especially worrying given that the authorities are potentially grappling with threats to our national security and some of these terrorists could have provided important leads. In the interest of the rule of law also, it is necessary that the alleged terrorists be prosecuted in a court of law.

Circumstances under which the suspects are dying are also confusing. For instance, why was the Sholakia attacker being transferred at midnight and how did the militants get information relating to his transfer? The question also arises as to why key suspects are not provided with more protection and more safety measures not taken while they are being transported given that those seeking justice would want them most to stay alive, particularly to enhance chances of apprehending the masterminds and for preventing any more future attacks.

The government should take all the steps necessary to identify the masterminds and ensure better protection of terror suspects in police custody.