50 Mosques Under Scanner in Faridabad as Police Tracks Terror Network; 800 Officers on Ground

Faridabad: Police are on constant alert after a white-collar terrorist module came to light in the district. After getting information about the connection of Imams of some mosques and outsiders with terrorists, security agencies have started intensive searches at many places. The investigating agencies fear that the way suspicious activities were detected in some mosques, the same may happen elsewhere also. For this reason, the police are now trying to reach the root of the terrorist network.

Were outsiders delivering messages in the mosques?

According to police sources, the investigation revealed that outsiders used to come to mosques to deliver messages of their masters. Their aim was to prepare local helpers. In the initial phase, this work was done in a very secret manner, but recent terrorist incidents exposed these relationships. For this reason the police suddenly intensified the action.

Which mosques are under investigation?

There are a total of more than 300 mosques in the district. Police have raided about 140 mosques in villages and colonies with Muslim populations. Of these, more than 50 mosques are currently considered to be on the radar. Imams, operators, and people living nearby are being interrogated and have been given strict instructions to stay away from suspicious activities.

Has there been evidence of Imams' contact with terrorists?

The biggest case in the investigation is of the mosque on the Al Falah University campus, where Imam Ishtiaq was found to be in constant contact with terrorist Dr. Muzammil. Muzammil used to come here regularly and converse with the Imam for long periods of time. It is alleged that he had also hidden explosives in the Imam's house and a rented room. After this, the Imams of Fatehpur Taga and Sirohi mosques are also being interrogated.

Are people coming from outside states also under suspicion?

It has come to light that many persons coming from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jammu and Kashmir were holding secret meetings in mosques. Considering its seriousness, the police have temporarily banned the entry of outsiders and have ordered to keep their record in the register.

At what stage is the investigation going on?

Around 800 policemen are deployed in the area. Apart from mosques, tenants, fertilizer-seed shops, and used car dealers are also being investigated. So far, 1,700 tenants, 40 shops, and 500 Kashmiri residents have been questioned. The district administration has issued orders to install CCTV in all institutions and keep records of unknown persons.

Meanwhile, many local imams have said that mosques always give the message of peace and terrorism has no connection with any religion. The purpose of police action is also to break the network and save innocent people.