New Delhi: The national capital New Delhi was on the brink of a major terror strike, but swift action by Delhi Police Special Cell has foiled a dangerous plot with the arrest of a Lashkar-linked operative, Shabbir Ahmed Lone, from the Ghazipur border.
According to officials, Lone is a trained terrorist who had received training in Pakistan and was operating from Bangladesh, where he had established a safe base to run anti-India operations. He was allegedly working to build a network of sleeper cells across cities such as Delhi and Kolkata, with the intent to carry out coordinated attacks.
Investigations revealed that the accused first tested his module’s capability by orchestrating anti-India poster campaigns in Delhi and Kolkata. His associates conducted reconnaissance of sensitive locations, including religious sites and crowded commercial areas, and sent videos back to him for further instructions.
Delhi Police had earlier cracked a linked module in February 2026, arresting eight individuals from Kolkata and Tamil Nadu, including several Bangladeshi nationals. During interrogation, these accused revealed Lone as the key handler behind the network.
Officials stated that Lone used Bangladesh as a launch base and Kolkata as an operational hub. He had recently entered Delhi to expand recruitment efforts and finalise plans targeting crowded markets and religious places.
The accused reportedly aimed to radicalise and recruit vulnerable youth to activate sleeper cells and execute attacks in high-footfall areas, with Delhi being a primary target.
Lone is not new to security agencies. He was previously arrested in 2007 by Delhi Police with weapons including an AK-47 and grenades, and had known links to Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives. After spending several years in prison, he resumed activities post-release and re-established his network from across the border.
Following his arrest, agencies are now probing the full extent of the network, including funding channels, handlers and potential sleeper cells that may still be active.
Officials believe the timely arrest has prevented a major terror incident, reinforcing that Indian security agencies remain vigilant and capable of neutralising cross-border threats before they materialise.
