Terrorism – Delhi Police Arrest Key Lashkar Handler Linked to Module
Terrorism – A major breakthrough has been achieved by the Delhi Police after the arrest of a suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba operative believed to be coordinating a wider network across multiple regions.
Delhi Police’s Special Cell has detained Shabir Ahmed Lone, an alleged operative associated with the banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, from the Ghazipur area. Officials confirmed the arrest on Monday, describing it as a significant development in an ongoing investigation into a suspected terror module.
Operation Led by Special Cell Team
According to senior officer Pramod Singh Kushwaha, the arrest was executed under the supervision of newly appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police Praveen Tripathi. The operation involved coordinated efforts by teams led by Inspector Sunil and Inspector Dheeraj Mehlawat.
Authorities believe Lone played a central role in managing a network previously linked to a metro poster case. In that case, eight individuals had already been taken into custody, including seven Bangladeshi nationals and one Indian citizen. Investigators had earlier identified key figures in the module, including Umar Farooq and Rabiyul Islam.
Wider Network Uncovered Across States
Further investigation led to the arrest of six additional Bangladeshi nationals in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu. Officials stated that all individuals were connected to the same network allegedly overseen by Lone.
During the arrest, police recovered multiple currencies from Lone, including Bangladeshi Taka, Nepalese currency, Pakistani currency, and Indian rupees. A Nepal-based SIM card was also seized, raising concerns about cross-border communication channels.
History of Previous Arrests and Activities
Officials highlighted Lone’s long-standing involvement in terror-related activities. He was first apprehended in 2007, when security forces recovered an AK-47 rifle and a grenade from his possession. He was later convicted in that case.
In 2015, Lone was again arrested in Srinagar’s Parimpora area with similar weapons. After securing release on bail in 2019, he is believed to have fled to Bangladesh, where he allegedly resumed activities linked to extremist networks.
Alleged Links to International Handlers
Investigators revealed that Lone established connections with handlers believed to be operating from Pakistan. These individuals, identified by coded names such as Abu Huzaifa and Sumama Babar, are suspected of directing operations remotely.
From Bangladesh, Lone is said to have shifted operations to Kolkata, using the city as a base to coordinate activities. Authorities stated that the group conducted poster campaigns in Kolkata and Delhi, which were likely intended as trial runs to test operational readiness.
Surveillance of Sensitive Locations
Officials further disclosed that the network carried out reconnaissance activities at various sensitive locations, including religious sites and crowded public areas. Video recordings of these locations were reportedly shared with handlers outside India.
The case initially came to light when metro police noticed suspicious poster activity. This led to the identification of key suspects and eventually prompted the transfer of the investigation to the Special Cell.
Concerns Over Recruitment and Radicalisation
Police described Lone as a highly active and committed operative who had returned to India with the intention of rebuilding the network. He is suspected of attempting to recruit individuals, particularly among illegal immigrants, and exposing them to extremist ideology.
Sources indicated that some recruits were allegedly provided with fake identification documents, including Aadhaar cards, to facilitate movement and conceal identity. There are also concerns that weapons may have been arranged for potential attacks.
Ongoing Interrogation and Investigation
Authorities are currently questioning the individuals previously arrested to determine whether specific attacks were being planned, particularly in crowded or sensitive areas. Investigators are also examining possible connections to senior figures linked to past terror incidents.
Officials stressed that the investigation remains active, with multiple agencies working together to track further links and prevent any potential threats