Eight suspects arrested for allegedly plotting terror strike in Delhi
New Delhi: Eight suspected operatives have been arrested for allegedly conspiring to carry out a terrorist attack in the national capital at the behest of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence and Bangladesh-based extremist groups, police sources said on Sunday.
According to officials, six of the suspects were apprehended from various locations in Tamil Nadu and will be brought to Delhi for further interrogation. Sources indicated that some among the arrested individuals are believed to be Bangladeshi nationals. Two other suspects had already been taken into custody earlier in connection with the same case.
Intelligence agencies had reportedly shared inputs that the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was planning to target prominent religious sites in India. Following alerts about a possible major explosion near the Red Fort, security agencies had placed sensitive locations in Delhi on high alert.
Sources said the operation was launched after receiving specific intelligence regarding a network allegedly planning coordinated subversive activities in different parts of the country. During searches, police seized dozens of mobile phones and SIM cards from the accused. These devices are currently being analysed to determine the extent of the network and possible foreign links.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the group was in contact with handlers linked to Pakistan’s ISI and certain Bangladesh-based organisations. Officials said central agencies are assisting the Delhi Police in the ongoing probe.
Intelligence inputs had earlier warned that LeT was attempting to execute an improvised explosive device (IED)-based attack. Sources claimed that the suspected plot may have been conceived as retaliation for the February 6 blast at a mosque in Islamabad.
Security agencies are now working to piece together the operational details, funding channels and communication patterns of the accused. Authorities have reiterated that all necessary steps are being taken to prevent any threat to public safety and maintain heightened vigilance across key installations in the capital.
Further investigation is underway.
