On March 30, the Delhi Police Special Cell apprehended Shabir Ahmed Lone, identified as a terrorist associated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). His arrest is linked to a recently dismantled LeT network involved in the Metro Poster case. Authorities describe Lone as a suspected operative of a sleeper cell tied to this terror organization.

Prior Arrests and Investigations

In a related investigation, the Delhi Police had previously detained eight individuals on February 23, all allegedly linked to the LeT. Insights from the investigation revealed that this group was collaborating with Lone, who has a history of terrorism—having served a ten-year sentence before his release on bail in 2019. Following his release, he allegedly fled to Bangladesh.

Connections to High-Profile Terror Operatives

Lone reportedly maintained direct contact with significant leaders of the banned terrorist group, namely Hafeez Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rahman Lakhvi, both notorious for their involvement in orchestrating the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The investigation into the eight suspects is ongoing, focusing on their potential plans for carrying out an attack in a temple or areas crowded with people.

Recruitment and Radicalization Activities

Sources indicate that Lone has been tasked with recruiting and radicalizing Bangladeshi nationals who are residing illegally in India. He is alleged to have successfully influenced the eight individuals arrested, shifting their ideologies to align with that of the LeT. Furthermore, he has been reportedly identifying illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and, through intermediaries, offering them counterfeit identification documents, including Aadhar cards.

Provision of Weapons for Attacks

Authorities have stated that these individuals received weapons from Lone, intended for executing planned attacks. The situation continues to evolve as investigators sift through evidence and conduct further inquiries into the extent of Lone’s operations and the network’s capabilities.

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