Delhi Police Thwarts Al-Qaeda Plot with Arrests Across Three States

The Delhi Police announced on Thursday that they have dismantled an al-Qaeda terror module, arresting 11 individuals and detaining three others from Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. This operation was carried out in collaboration with state police forces following intelligence inputs, officials stated.

According to a police officer, six individuals were apprehended in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, while undergoing weapons training. These individuals have been identified as Hasan Ansari, Enamul Ansari, Altaf Ansari, Arshad Khan, Umar Farroq, and Shahbaz Ansari, all hailing from Jharkhand. They had been residing in Rajasthan for the past few days.

Weapons and Equipment Seized

The police recovered an AK-47 rifle, a .38 bore revolver, and 66 live cartridges from the suspects. Additionally, they found a dummy Insas rifle, an air rifle, an iron elbow pipe, a hand grenade, a key remote control mechanism, some wires, and an AA size 1.5-volt battery. Other items seized included a table watch, four ground sheets, one target, and a camping tent.

Following the initial arrests in Rajasthan, five more individuals were detained in Ranchi, Jharkhand. These suspects were identified as Dr Ishtiyaq Ahmed, Motiur, Rizwan, Mufti Rahmatullah, and Faizan. According to the police statement, Dr Ishtiyaq Ahmed of Ranchi was leading the module.

Training Locations and Operations

The terror module members received training at various locations including the Aravalli Hills in Rajasthan. A significant operation was launched in these hills to capture the suspects. The police believe that the module aimed to declare khilafat and carry out serious terrorist activities within India.

Three more people were detained from Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh for questioning. Official sources revealed that Delhi Police Special Cell teams have conducted raids at 15 locations across the three states so far.

Ongoing Investigations

Officials suspect that the module was planning a terror attack in northern India during the upcoming festive season. The suspects had reportedly conducted reconnaissance in several cities. Raids are ongoing to recover more arms, ammunition, and documents.

A senior police officer involved in the operations mentioned that the al-Qaeda module had been active for several months. Its members connected through social media platforms. A case under section 61 of criminal conspiracy of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita was registered by the Special Cell on July 15. Since then, the anti-terror unit has been gathering details about the suspects.

This coordinated effort by multiple state police forces highlights the ongoing vigilance against terrorist threats in India. The authorities continue to monitor and act upon intelligence inputs to prevent potential attacks.