Delhi Police Special Cell Thwarts Major Terror Plot with Multi-State Operation
The Delhi Police Special Cell has successfully dismantled a terror module with alleged connections to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) handlers operating from Bangladesh. In a coordinated operation spanning Delhi, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, authorities arrested eight suspects and prevented what officials have described as a significant untoward incident that could have had severe consequences.
Anti-India Posters Trigger Investigation and Lead to Arrests
The case originated on February 7 when anti-national posters were discovered pasted on pillars at the Kashmiri Gate Metro station and several nearby locations in Delhi. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) noticed these posters and promptly alerted the Metro unit of the Delhi Police, initiating a thorough investigation.
Addressing a press conference, Additional Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Pramod Kumar Kushwaha revealed, "A team from the Special Cell busted a module that was being handled by a Lashkar handler based in Bangladesh. A major untoward incident has been prevented."
The investigation quickly led police to Kolkata, where with the assistance of local authorities, two suspects were apprehended: Umar Farooq and Bangladeshi national Robil Ul Islam. During interrogation, they confessed to pasting anti-India posters at multiple locations in Delhi. Further investigation uncovered that they were receiving directions from Shabbir Ahmed Lone, a key operative based in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh-Based Handler with Violent History
Investigations revealed that the module was allegedly directed by Shabbir Ahmed Lone, a resident of Ganderbal in Kashmir who is currently based in Bangladesh. Lone has a concerning history of terrorist activities.
"In 2007, Shabbir Ahmed Lone was arrested, and AK-47 rifles and grenades were found on him. He had come for a 'fidayeen' mission to assassinate a senior political leader," Kushwaha explained. "After spending many years in jail, he was released in 2019 and subsequently fled to Bangladesh. Initial investigations indicate that he reconnected with LeT leadership and re-established his organization to carry out terrorist activities."
According to police reports, Lone reassembled his associates and conducted dry runs in multiple cities. "He had posters put up in various locations, not just in Delhi but also in Kolkata. On February 10, he orchestrated the placement of anti-India posters at several metro stations and other locations in Kolkata," Kushwaha added, noting that Lone had even rented a house in Kolkata as part of his operations.
Expanded Operations Lead to Arrests in Tamil Nadu
The investigation expanded to Tamil Nadu, where the Special Cell, with assistance from Tamil Nadu Police, arrested six additional suspects, all Bangladeshi nationals. These individuals were identified as Mizanur Rahman, Mohammad Shabat, Umar, Mohammad Litan, Mohammad Shahid, and Mohammad Ujjal.
"The investigation revealed that some Bangladeshi nationals were in Tamil Nadu. They were planning to return to Kolkata to participate in terrorist activities before they could execute their plans," Kushwaha stated.
The suspects were apprehended from various locations including Uthukuli, Palladam, and Thirumuruganpoondi. They were working in the garment industry and allegedly concealing their identities using fake Aadhaar cards. During raids, police seized dozens of mobile phones and SIM cards, including eight mobile phones and 16 SIM cards in one phase of the operation alone.
Officials revealed that the accused were communicating through social media platforms and allegedly posting content in support of Pakistan-based terrorist organizations. Investigators suspect the group conducted reconnaissance of several cities as part of their planning.
Larger Terror Alert and Ongoing Investigation
The crackdown comes amid intelligence inputs warning of possible terror threats in the national capital. Sources indicate that Lashkar-e-Taiba may be plotting an IED attack, with potential targets including a temple in the Chandni Chowk area and locations around the Red Fort.
Intelligence sources warned, "There is a blast alert in front of the Red Fort in Delhi. Terrorists may target a temple in Chandni Chowk. Lashkar-e-Taiba is plotting an IED attack. They are planning a major terrorist attack in India to avenge the February 6 mosque blast in Islamabad, Pakistan. Major temples across the country could be targeted by Lashkar-e-Taiba."
All eight accused are being brought to Delhi for further interrogation as the investigation continues. The Delhi Police Special Cell remains vigilant and is working to uncover any additional connections or planned activities related to this terror module.
