Delhi Police Special Cell Thwarts Major Terror Plot in Multi-State Operation
In a significant counter-terrorism breakthrough, the Delhi Police Special Cell has dismantled a dangerous terror module affiliated with the notorious outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The operation, spanning multiple states, led to the arrest of eight radicalised individuals, effectively averting a major terror attack. Authorities confirmed that a historic temple in Chandni Chowk, located near the Red Fort, was among the primary targets, with incriminating images found on the suspects' electronic devices.
Poster Incident Sparks Investigation into Psychological Warfare
The investigation was triggered by a series of provocative posters pasted at key metro stations in Delhi, including Janpath, on February 8. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) filed a formal complaint, highlighting a severe security breach ahead of a high-profile AI summit. These posters, which eulogised slain terrorist Burhan Wani, featured inflammatory slogans such as "India stop genocide & Free Kashmir" and "Hum Pakistani Hain, Pakistan Hamara Hai" (We are Pakistani, Pakistan is ours), celebrating "Kashmir Solidarity Day." Police determined this was a calculated act of psychological warfare, designed to test the module's mobility and operational capabilities.
Technical Analysis and Swift Raids Lead to Arrests
Following the registration of a case, the investigation was transferred to the Special Cell, with a dedicated team formed under ACP Lalit Mohan Negi, along with inspectors Sunil Rajain and Dheeraj. Initial groundwork by DCP Kushal Pal Singh's Metro Police team paved the way for a thorough technical analysis of mobile data and transit patterns. This digital trail led authorities to Kolkata, where on February 15, a hideout in the Majherpara area of Hatiara Gote was identified.
In a swift raid, the first two suspects were apprehended: 31-year-old Umar Faruk, a resident of Aswintola in Malda, West Bengal, and 31-year-old Robiul Islam, a Bangladeshi national from the Thakur Gaon district. During interrogation, Faruk provided critical details about the radicalisation timeline and the locations of his accomplices, enabling further action.
Simultaneous Raids in Tamil Nadu Uncover Extensive Evidence
On February 21, simultaneous raids were conducted in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, resulting in the arrest of six additional suspects. The individuals were identified as 32-year-old Mohammed Mizanur Rehman, 34-year-old Mohammed Sefayat Hossain, 40-year-old Mohammed Zahidul Islam, 40-year-old Mohammed Liton, 27-year-old Mohammed Uzzal, and 32-year-old Umar, all hailing from various districts in Bangladesh, primarily Bogura. Police seized a substantial cache of evidence, including 10 mobile phones loaded with radicalising content, 25 credit and debit cards, 5 POS machines, and original Bangladeshi passports and identity cards that the suspects had attempted to discard or conceal.
Background and Implications of the Terror Module
Notably, seven of the eight arrested suspects are Bangladeshi nationals who had fraudulently obtained Indian Aadhaar cards, raising serious concerns about border security and identity verification processes. The module's activities were linked to a car bomb blast reported last November near the same Chandni Chowk temple, highlighting a persistent threat to national security. This operation underscores the ongoing challenges in combating cross-border terrorism and the importance of coordinated efforts between state and central agencies.
The successful bust has been hailed as a major victory in preventing potential loss of life and property, with authorities continuing to investigate deeper connections and potential sleeper cells. The case remains under active scrutiny to ensure all involved networks are neutralised.
