Intelligence Bureau and Police Conduct Raid at Ajmer Residence of Terror Suspect
AJMER: In a significant joint operation, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) collaborated with local police forces to execute a thorough search at the residence of 30-year-old Ali Akbar, also known as Babu, in Ajmer on Sunday. This coordinated action followed closely on the heels of Akbar's arrest in Ambala, Haryana, just one day prior, where he was apprehended in connection with an alleged terrorist conspiracy linked to Pakistan-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti.
Explosives Seized and Family's Anguish Revealed
Akbar was arrested alongside two other individuals, and during the operation, authorities allegedly recovered 3 kilograms of explosives from his possession. These explosives were reportedly intended for use in attacks targeting multiple locations across the country, including Hanumangarh in Rajasthan. Law enforcement officials seized various documents and personal items from Akbar's home in Longia Mohalla, situated within the Dargah area of Ajmer.
The news of his arrest has left Akbar's family in a state of profound devastation. His elder brother, Ali Asgar, shared the emotional turmoil during a recent conversation, recounting their last interaction on March 8. "Akbar informed me he was traveling to Delhi that morning, stating he would first stop in Jaipur to meet friends. After I lent him Rs 1000, I heard nothing further until I discovered his arrest through news reports," Asgar revealed, expressing feelings of betrayal and confusion.
The family's distress was palpable as Asgar described the harsh reality they now face. "He has abandoned us completely. As we attempt to move forward, what identity can we present? That my brother, or the father of these children, is branded a terrorist? Our father was a laborer who worked tirelessly to support us, and I too am striving hard. Yet now, we cannot even show our faces in society," Asgar said, visibly emotional and wiping away tears.
Background Investigation and Prior Criminal Record
Akbar, who married in 2020 and is a father of two, resided with his family, including his brother and their respective families, in a modest three-room house. As the police investigation intensifies, authorities are meticulously examining Akbar's social connections, scrutinizing his friends, movements, and potential ties to sleeper cells involved in terrorist activities.
Local police have confirmed that Akbar has a prior criminal history, having been arrested four years ago for alleged intimidation against a guest house owner in the Ganj police station jurisdiction. For the past three years, Akbar had been working as an e-rickshaw driver, a job he obtained through a loan that he struggled to repay. Previously, he was employed at the Ajmer railway station's parking area, where witnesses noted he often displayed signs of financial hardship.
A local police official emphasized the district police's supportive role in the ongoing probe, stating, "We are assisting the investigating agency by collecting evidence and gathering detailed information to facilitate their inquiries." This case underscores the collaborative efforts between national and local law enforcement in addressing security threats.
