Major Terror Plot Foiled: Delhi Police Arrests Lashkar-e-Tayiba Commander Shabbir Ahmed Lone
Significant Arrest in Terrorism Case
New Delhi: The Special Cell of the Delhi Police has made a significant breakthrough by apprehending Shabbir Ahmed Lone, a commander of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba (LeT). His capture has disrupted a large-scale attack planned by the terrorist organization.
Lone was orchestrating a complex network that spanned across India, establishing modules from Tamil Nadu to Delhi and West Bengal.
Under the guidance of LeT's Sumana Babar, he successfully recruited individuals from Tirupur in Tamil Nadu, Malaga in West Bengal, and Delhi, specifically targeting Bangladeshi nationals residing illegally in India.
To maintain secrecy, Lone strategically deployed operatives from South India for missions in the North. The recruits had already conducted reconnaissance on various targets, with plans to execute a series of bombings over an extended period.
The investigation began when the Delhi Police detained six Bangladeshi nationals for distributing pro-Pakistan posters in New Delhi, which also glorified the deceased Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.
This incident was a test case for Lone to evaluate the capabilities of his recruits.
He had similarly enlisted illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in West Bengal, directing them to carry out reconnaissance, particularly targeting temples.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Lone had instructed reconnaissance missions at the Gauri Shankar and Kalkaji Temples in Chandni Chowk.
The arrest of the six individuals was a significant setback for Lashkar-e-Tayiba, as they had successfully displayed pro-Pakistan propaganda. They recorded videos of their actions and sent them to Lone.
In his communications, Lone commended the recruits for their execution and discussed future plans, instructing them to remain alert.
Until further instructions were given, they were advised to continue their regular work in garment factories in Tamil Nadu.
An official indicated that the next phase involved attacks on the two temples, followed by a pause before subsequent operations. Throughout this period, Lone was operating from Nepal.
However, the arrests alarmed the Lashkar leadership, prompting Lone to return to India to assess the situation. He was apprehended while crossing the open border.
The operation was a coordinated effort between the Delhi Police and central intelligence agencies, leading to Lone's capture in Ghazipur.
An Intelligence Bureau official stated that while a significant attack has been averted with the arrests of Lone and his associates, attention will now shift to other established modules.
The West Bengal module is currently under scrutiny, with intelligence suggesting that many trained recruits are poised to enter India through the Nepal and Bangladesh borders.
Recent reports indicate that Lashkar and other terrorist groups are planning attacks around the upcoming elections in West Bengal and Assam.
A figure named Saidul Islam is reportedly overseeing these operations from Bangladesh, assisting Lone with recruitments and planning further attacks in West Bengal and the Northeastern states.
Authorities are also monitoring the Hatiara area in Kolkata, where a base has been established to manage operations in West Bengal, coordinating with members based in Malda.