In a significant counterterrorism operation, the Delhi Police on Thursday dismantled a terror module allegedly inspired by al Qaeda. The operation, which was conducted with the support of police forces from Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, led to the arrest of 14 individuals reportedly linked to the group.
Authorities believe the group was plotting a series of high-profile terrorist activities aimed at establishing a ‘Khilafat’ within India.
“The module, as per the current state of operations, was being led by one Dr. Ishtiyaq of Ranchi (Jharkhand), and it was aspiring to declare ‘khilafat’ and execute serious terrorist activities within the country,” the NDTV quoted a Delhi Police spokesperson.
The arrested individuals were allegedly being trained at various undisclosed locations, including in the handling of weapons. The operation was initiated following critical intelligence inputs that revealed the module’s intentions and key locations, allowing the police to act swiftly.
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Six of the suspects were apprehended in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, where they were reportedly undergoing weapons training. Additionally, eight more individuals were arrested across Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. The police have recovered a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and literature related to terrorist activities from these locations.
“This operation was a collaborative effort, with crucial inputs and coordination between various state forces and the Delhi Police. It was vital to act swiftly to neutralize this serious threat,” said a senior Delhi Police officer involved in the operation.
The investigation remains ongoing, with Delhi Police confirming that further arrests are likely as raids continue across multiple states. The authorities are also examining the group’s networks and support systems to prevent any potential resurgence of similar activities.
This operation underscores the heightened vigilance and coordination among India’s security forces in combating terrorism, particularly in the face of threats from groups inspired by global jihadist ideologies. The successful dismantling of this terror module is a testament to the efficacy of these efforts in safeguarding national security.
