Usman Khawaja's Brother Arrested by Counter Terrorism Authorities

Ahead of the Test series against India, Usman Khawaja has sleepless nights. Meanwhile, the counter-terrorism investigators have arrested the Australian cricketer’s brother over an alleged faked terrorism plot. Arsalan Khawaja has been charged with forgery and attempting to pervert justice relating to the discovery of a notebook containing alleged concocted plans to carry out terror attacks in Australia.

Usman Khawaja’s brother in trouble

BREAKING: Arsalan Khawaja – the brother of cricket star Usman – has been arrested over a “terror hit list” found at UNSW. Police will allege he set up PhD student Mohamed Kamer Nizamdeen because of a dispute over a girl. @10NewsFirst @10Daily pic.twitter.com/v7mZc8pihO

— Daniel Sutton (@danielsutton10) December 3, 2018

The 39-year-old was having a dispute with a colleague over a woman, as reported. He got arrested in Parramatta, west of Sydney at 8;30 am on Tuesday. Arsalan’s brother, Usman broke his silence on Tuesday, requesting the media fraternity to respect the privacy.

“I won’t be saying much guys. It is a matter for the police to deal with. Out of respect for the process, it’d be inappropriate for me to make any further comment. I just ask you to please respect my privacy and my family’s privacy during this time.”

Meanwhile, cricketer Khawaja will play in the Test series against India, starting in Adelaide, on December 6th.

Conspiracy or set case?

Investigation kick-started on August 30 after a handwritten book was found at the University of New South Wales, outlining alleged plans for a series of violence and attack.

The fake targets reportedly included the likes of former Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, ex-Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnball and certain famous landmarks- Sydney Opera House. Meanwhile, Mr Nizamdeen got arrested wrongfully. However, the 26-year-old later got cleared of the charges, and he is now suing the police. Furthermore, the authorities confirmed on Tuesday that they had paid his legal costs but would not comment on any further possible compensation.

“We regret the circumstances which led to him being charged and the time he subsequently spent in custody,” Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing told a press conference. “We feel very sorry for him and what happened to him,” they added.

Also, an investigation by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team concluded that Khawaja allegedly produced the fake’ extremist and threatening’ pieces in a bid to frame Mr Nizamdeen.

“We believe (he was) set up in a planned and calculated matter … motivated in part by personal grievances,” Mr Willing said.

Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja is yet to respond to the incident. He is currently preparing for the Adelaide Test. It may well impact the upcoming developments in the Australian campaign if he is asked to be present, related to the issue.