Major Terror Plot Uncovered in Noida: ATS Arrests Suspects Linked to Pakistani Gangster
Significant Terror Conspiracy Exposed
In a recent development in Noida, two suspected terrorists have been apprehended, leading to the revelation of a significant terror plot. The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has discovered that these individuals were allegedly connected to Pakistani gangster Shahzad Bhatti and handlers associated with the ISI, who were planning targeted killings of Hindu leaders and grenade attacks in India. The suspects have been identified as Tushar Chauhan, also known as Hizbullah Ali Khan from Bagpat, and Sameer Khan from the Old Seemapuri area of Delhi. They were arrested by the ATS on April 23.
Handlers Involved in the Plot
During the interrogation, it was revealed that the suspects were receiving instructions from handlers in contact with Pakistani gangster Shahzad Bhatti, including individuals named Major Hamid, Major Iqbal, Major Anwar, Mohammad Hamad Barkati, and Abid Jat. According to investigative agencies, the duo was tasked with assassinating five Hindu leaders: Daksh Chaudhary, Abhishek Thakur, Pinky Chaudhary, Yudhi Rana, and Gaurav Rajput. The plan involved slitting their throats and throwing grenades at their residences to instill fear.
Financial Incentives Offered
The ATS reported that the handlers promised the suspects a total of three lakh rupees for executing the plan, which included an advance of fifty thousand rupees and an additional two and a half lakh rupees upon completion of the task. Furthermore, they were lured with the prospect of obtaining passports to relocate to Dubai, ensuring that Indian agencies could not trace them.
Threats Made via Conference Calls
The investigation also uncovered that the suspects had threatened ex-Muslims and individuals who had renounced Islam, including Imroz Alam, Anjali Arya, Sameer, and Saleem Vastik, through social media and WhatsApp conference calls. Shahzad Bhatti was reportedly part of these calls, and the ATS has obtained recordings of these conversations, which are currently under thorough examination.
Suspects Remanded for Further Interrogation
The ATS sought a remand for the suspects in a special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). On Thursday, Judge Neetu Pathak approved a six-day custody remand for both individuals. The ATS will hold them in custody from May 1 at 11 AM until May 6 at 6 PM for intensive questioning, which is expected to reveal more details about the conspiracy, other accomplices, and potential weapons involved.
Radicalization Efforts Targeting Youth
This conspiracy aimed to radicalize youth through social media, particularly Instagram and encrypted apps. Pakistani handlers were attempting to involve Indian youth in terrorist activities by enticing them with money, weapons, and the promise of fleeing abroad.