The terrorist, identified as 35-year-old Rizwan Abdul Haji Ali, was apprehended with one sophisticated pistol with cartridges in his possession
In a pre-Independence Day counter-terrorism triumph, the Delhi Police Special Cell has
successfully neutralized a significant threat by apprehending Rizwan Abdul Haji Ali, a key
operative of the ISIS Pune module. The arrest was made late on Thursday near Biodiversity Park
in the national capital.
Ali, a 35-year-old resident of Daryaganj, Delhi, was found in possession of a sophisticated pistol
and live cartridges, underscoring the imminent danger he posed. The operation comes as a
crucial blow to the ISIS network, particularly its Pune-based cell, which has been under the
scanner of law enforcement agencies for its alleged involvement in terror plots.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has confiscated four properties in Pune as part of its ongoing investigation into an ISIS module. These properties, located in Kondhwa, are believed to have been used by 11 individuals, including three fugitives, to manufacture improvised explosive devices (IEDs), train for terrorist activities, and plan attacks.
The seized residential units are linked to suspects such as Mohammed Imran Khan, Mohammed Yunus Saki, and Mohammed Shahnawaz Alam. According to the NIA, these individuals were involved in a larger ISIS conspiracy to carry out attacks in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and other parts of India. The agency alleges that the group was raising funds through robberies to support their operations.
A reward of ₹3 lakh had been declared by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for
information leading to Ali’s arrest. Despite being part of a Delhi Police deradicalization program
in 2018, he managed to slip through the net and re-engage in terror-related activities. Intelligence
inputs suggest that Ali had been actively involved in reconnaissance of high-profile targets in
both Delhi and Mumbai.
Delhi on Monday. | Photo Credit: ANI
The arrest of Ali marks a significant step forward in the ongoing investigation into the ISIS Pune
module. Seven other individuals linked to the module have already been apprehended, but three,
including Ali, had managed to evade capture. The NIA has been relentless in its pursuit of the
module’s members, having previously arrested several of Ali’s associates.
The successful operation underscores the heightened security measures in place ahead of
Independence Day and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement agencies to
safeguarding the nation. The arrest of Rizwan Abdul Haji Ali is a testament to the diligence and
professionalism of the Delhi Police Special Cell in thwarting a potential terror attack.
An in-depth investigation of conducted by authorities unveiled a disturbing plot
The accused individuals were discovered to be in clandestine communication with an overseas accomplice using encrypted messaging platforms. Their primary source of income, used to fund their nefarious activities, was derived from a series of violent crimes including armed robberies and thefts. These illicit funds were channeled to them by their foreign handler to facilitate their terroristic endeavors.
The National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) probe delved deeper into the matter, uncovering a chilling training regimen. It was revealed that the suspects underwent intensive instruction in the construction of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Pune’s Kondhwa. To gain practical experience and expertise, a controlled explosion was even conducted. Furthermore, the accused honed their marksmanship skills in preparation for potential terror attacks.
The NIA’s investigation also brought to light the group’s reconnaissance efforts. They meticulously surveyed the Western Ghats for suitable hideouts and conducted site inspections in various locations across Maharashtra and Gujarat, identifying potential targets for their terror strikes. These findings underscore the gravity of the threat posed by this group and the extent of their preparations for carrying out large-scale attacks.
