New Delhi: In a major counter-terrorism breakthrough, Delhi Police Special Cell has dismantled a multi-state terror module with alleged links to Bangladesh and Pakistan, culminating in the arrest of key mastermind Shabbir Ahmed Lone after weeks of surveillance and nationwide raids.
The case traces back to February 7, when “Free Kashmir” posters surfaced near Kashmere Gate bus terminal and metro station in Delhi. Initially appearing as an isolated act, the incident soon raised red flags among security agencies. CISF personnel first noticed the posters and alerted metro police, triggering an investigation.
Using CCTV footage and technical tracking, investigators identified two suspects who were later traced to Kolkata. On February 13, the case was handed over to the Special Cell of Delhi Police, which swiftly moved to Kolkata and arrested two accused — Umar Farooq and Rabiul Islam. Their interrogation revealed that they were acting under instructions from a handler operating from Bangladesh.
The probe then expanded rapidly, leading to coordinated raids across Kolkata and Tamil Nadu over the next nine days. A total of eight suspects were arrested, and authorities recovered 12 mobile phones and 16 SIM cards, indicating the presence of an active communication network.
Further intelligence inputs prompted counter-intelligence operations in Kashmir, including raids at multiple locations in Ganderbal, Shopian and Srinagar. Investigators found that the module was operating as part of a larger transnational network with operational links spanning Bangladesh and Pakistan.
The biggest breakthrough came when the alleged mastermind, Shabbir Ahmed Lone, was apprehended near the Delhi border following a tip-off. Agencies had been tracking him for nearly two months.
According to investigators, Lone has alleged links with Lashkar-e-Taiba and was reportedly working under handlers based across the border. His role involved recruiting youth in cities like Delhi, Kolkata and parts of Tamil Nadu, activating sleeper cells and planning potential attacks.
Officials also revealed that Lone has a long criminal and terror-related history. He was previously arrested in 2007 with arms and explosives and had undergone training in Pakistan-occupied regions. After being released from jail, he reportedly moved to Bangladesh, where he re-established connections and rebuilt the network.
Currency recovered from his possession included Bangladeshi, Nepali, Pakistani and Indian denominations, along with a foreign SIM card — further strengthening the cross-border angle of the investigation.
Agencies are now working to uncover the entire network, including funding channels, handlers and operatives across states. Officials believe the timely arrests have prevented a major terror plot from being executed.
Security agencies have reiterated that surveillance remains heightened across the country, with continued efforts to dismantle sleeper cells and prevent any attempt to destabilise internal security.
