Al Qaeda-inspired terror module busted

New Delhi, August 22

In a major breakthrough, the Special Cell of the Delhi Police, in collaboration with the state police forces of Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, has busted an Al Qaeda-inspired terror module, officials said on Thursday.

The operation, based on precise intelligence, has led to the arrest of six persons and detention of eight who were reportedly preparing to execute serious terrorist activities within the country, an official said.

He said, “This module was being led by Dr Ishtiyaq, a resident of Ranchi, Jharkhand. The group was reportedly aiming to declare ‘Khilafat’ and carry out significant terrorist activities on Indian soil.”

In a series of coordinated raids, six persons were arrested from Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, while they were actively undergoing weapons-handling training.

The police official added, “These individuals had received indoctrination and weapons’ training at various undisclosed locations. Their immediate goal was to conduct a series of attacks within the country.”

In addition to the arrests in Rajasthan, eight more suspects have been detained from Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh for questioning. “Interrogations are currently underway at various locations, and we anticipate more arrests in the coming days,” the official stated.

The operation has also led to significant recoveries of arms, ammunition and incriminating literature from multiple locations. “So far, we have conducted raids at 15 places in Ranchi, one in Rajasthan and one in Aligarh. The investigation is still ongoing, and further recoveries are expected,” the police official added.