BREAKING: Delhi Terror Plot Foiled – Lashkar Module Busted, 8 Arrested; Red Fort IED Attack Averted
NEW DELHI — In a major triumph for national security, the Delhi Police Special Cell has successfully busted a large-scale Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror module, arresting eight suspected militants who were allegedly planning an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast at iconic landmarks, including the Red Fort and a prominent temple in Chandni Chowk. The meticulous, 10-day intelligence-led operation has averted what could have been a catastrophic attack on the nation’s capital.
Nationwide Crackdown: Arrests in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal The Special Cell’s extensive investigation culminated in simultaneous raids, leading to the apprehension of six suspects from Tamil Nadu and two from West Bengal. Authorities revealed that the module was primarily composed of Bangladeshi nationals who had infiltrated India and were working in factories in Tamil Nadu.
Key Suspects and Their Roles:
- Mizanur Rahman (Tamil Nadu – Uthukuli): Identified as the Bangladeshi mastermind of the module, allegedly coordinating directives from Pakistan.
- Mohammed Shabat (Tamil Nadu – Palladam): A garment worker believed to have facilitated logistics using fake Aadhaar cards.
- Umar (Tamil Nadu – Palladam): Suspected of having direct links with ISI handlers across the border.
- Mohammed Litton (Tamil Nadu): Tasked with conducting reconnaissance of target locations.
- Mohammed Shahid (Thirumuruganpoondi): Involved in recording videos of potential targets.
- Mohammed Ujjwal (Tamil Nadu): Responsible for logistical support for the module.
- Two Others (West Bengal): Identified as support staff providing ancillary aid to the group.
The Sinister Plot: Targeting Delhi’s Heart Investigators revealed that the primary targets were the historical Red Fort and a popular temple in Chandni Chowk, highly frequented by tourists and devotees. The plan involved gaining entry into Delhi using forged identity documents, conducting detailed reconnaissance, and then executing IED blasts.
The entire operation was being commanded by handlers from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Lashkar-e-Taiba, with direct coordination through Bangladeshi channels.
Recovered Materials Point to Advanced Planning During the arrests and subsequent searches, the police recovered crucial evidence, including:
- Eight mobile phones and 16 SIM cards.
- Reconnaissance videos of the Red Fort and other sensitive locations.
- A cache of fake Aadhaar cards and other forged documents.
- Chemicals used in the fabrication of IEDs.
Police Statement: “These were Bangladeshi infiltrators operating at the behest of Lashkar-e-Taiba, planning a major blast in Delhi. Further interrogation is expected to unravel a larger network,” stated a senior official from the Delhi Police Special Commissioner’s office.
Background of the Threat The arrests underscore the persistent threat from cross-border terror outfits using sleeper cells and radicalized elements within India. This operation follows several recent successes where modules linked to ISIS and other terror groups have been neutralised, highlighting the continuous vigilance required by India’s security apparatus to protect its citizens.