New Delhi, October 2, 2023
In a significant breakthrough, the Special Cell of Delhi Police, in coordination with central agencies, successfully busted a Pakistan ISI-sponsored module posing as an ISIS network in raids conducted across multiple cities. The operation resulted in the apprehension of three ISIS operatives, including the notorious and wanted terrorist Shahnawaz Alam, who had been evading arrest since his escape from Pune in August this year.
Key Highlights:
- Multi-City Raids: Coordinated raids were carried out in Delhi, Dehradun, Aligarh, Lucknow, Moradabad, and Prayagraj, leading to the dismantling of the Pak ISI-sponsored module.
- Arrest of Shahnawaz Alam: Shahnawaz Alam, a wanted terrorist with a reward of Rs 3 Lac from NIA, was apprehended. He had a history of involvement in armed robberies and was at the advanced stage of planning terror strikes in Delhi.
- Advanced Stage of Planning: The module, disguised as an ISIS group, was actively preparing for terror strikes in the national capital.
- Recovered Items: During the raids, law enforcement recovered a semi-automatic pistol, live cartridges, and incriminating materials used in making improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
- Operational Details: Teams of Special Cell led by Insp. Vinay Pal, Insp. Arvind Singh under the close supervision of Sh. Lalit Mohan Negi and Sh. Hridaya Bhushan, AC’sP/NDR and overall supervision of Addl. C.P. Sh. Pramod Kushwah and DCP Sh. Rajiv Ranjan Singh in coordination with the central agencies conducted coordinated raids at multiple locations of Delhi, Dehradun, Aligarh, Lucknow, Moradabad, and Prayagraj that led to the busting of Pak ISI-sponsored Module disguised as ISIS Module with the arrest of three operatives of banned terrorist outfit ISIS including wanted and rewarded terrorist Shahnawaz Alam @ Abdullah, who was caring a reward of 3 lakhs as declared by the NIA.
Profiles of Arrested Individuals:
- Shahnawaz Alam: Born in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, Shahnawaz Alam, a B.Tech graduate, came to Delhi in 2016. Influenced by ISIS ideology, he had been involved in criminal activities, including armed robberies, and had escaped police custody earlier. His involvement in planning terror activities was revealed through interrogation.
- Md. Arshad Warsi: A Ph.D. scholar in Islamic Principles in Management at Jamia Millia University, Warsi was found to be a participant in planning terrorist activities with Shahnawaz Alam.
- Md. Rizwan Ashraf: Born in Saudi Arabia, Rizwan Ashraf, an ISIS member, was in communication with a foreign-based handler. He had taken a pledge into ISIS and was actively involved in the conspiracy to carry out terrorist activities in Delhi.
Development of Information:
The Special Cell, through continuous surveillance, gathered credible information about the ISIS operatives and their connections. The module had ties with Pakistan ISI, using fugitives Farahtullah Gauri and Shahid Faisal as intermediaries.
Recoveries:
The raids resulted in the recovery of a .32 bore pistol with live cartridges, chemicals, acid, steel balls, and other materials used in making IEDs. The arrested individuals had also accumulated maps of India, indicative of their detailed planning.
Ongoing Investigation:
Further investigation is underway to gather more insights into the network’s activities, connections, and potential targets. The arrested individuals are currently undergoing preliminary interrogation.
The timely intervention by the Special Cell has averted a significat terror strike in Delhi. The collaborative effort between different agencies reflects the commitment to national security and the determination to thwart any threat posed by terrorist organizations.