Delhi: Arrested Bangladesh Nationals Were Sent By Lashkar-e-Taiba Chief Hafiz Saeed, Say Police

New Delhi: Eight suspected terrorists have been arrested for allegedly plotting a major terrorist plot in Delhi at the behest of Pakistan's intelligence agency, the ISI, and extremist organizations based in Bangladesh. India Today, citing Delhi Police sources, reported that the suspects' handler was in direct contact with the top leadership of Lashkar-e-Taiba, including Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and senior commander Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi. According to sources, the handler has been identified as Shabbir Ahmed Lone, a Kashmiri terrorist currently hiding in Bangladesh. He has been in contact with Lashkar-e-Taiba's leadership since 2007.

What did Delhi Police say?

Police officials believe that Shabbir was the terrorist who played a key role in coordination. He was arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell in 2007. Evidence of his direct contact with Hafiz Saeed and Lakhvi was also found. The investigation also revealed the involvement of the Pakistani intelligence agency, the ISI. The ISI is trying to recruit Bangladeshi citizens living illegally in India to carry out terrorist attacks.

Central intelligence agencies had reported that Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba had allegedly hatched a conspiracy to target major religious places in India, following which security agencies had issued an alert on Saturday regarding the possibility of an explosion near the Red Fort here. Sources said that the operation was carried out after specific intelligence was received about a suspected module planning subversive activities in various parts of the country.

Was Pakistan involved?

During searches, police recovered dozens of mobile phones and SIM cards from the suspects, which are being examined to determine the extent of the network and possible foreign connections. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the group was in contact with individuals linked to Pakistan's ISI and some organizations based in Bangladesh. Sources said central agencies are assisting in the investigation. According to sources, intelligence agencies had indicated that Lashkar-e-Taiba might attempt to carry out an attack using an improvised explosive device (IED). This alleged plan is linked to the terrorist group's attempts to avenge the February 6 bombing at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan.