‘Al-Qaeda-inspired terror module’ busted, 6 arrested during joint operation in 3 states: Delhi Police

According to the Special Cell, the module was allegedly being led by a Ranchi-based doctor, who is among those arrested. He allegedly sought to carry out “serious terrorist activities within the country”.

“The members of this module have been indoctrination and received weapons’ training at various locations in the country… Six persons were arrested from Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, while undergoing training to handle weapons.”

DCP (PRO) Suman Nalwa said eight other persons were detained from Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh for questioning. “Interrogation is underway at various locations and additional arrests are anticipated… recovery of arms, ammunition, literature, etc. from several locations are also in progress,” added Nalwa.

According to a police source, the doctor suspected of heading the module holds MBBS and MD degrees in Radiology and runs a clinic in Ranchi. The source also said the doctor has links with Abdul Rehman Katki, “a close associate of Abdul Rehman Lakhvi, the 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind”. Katki is in Tihar Jail after he was arrested in 2015 for his links with Al Qaeda, the source said.

Another officer said, “Katki has been lodged in prison for nine years now. His custody will be sought for questioning regarding the other possible members of this module and their training locations.”

DCP Nalwa said an operation in connection with the case is currently ongoing and 15 locations in Ranchi, one in Rajasthan and one in Aligarh have been raided.

On the weapons recovered after the raids, an officer said that an AK-47 rifle, a .38 bore revolver, an air rifle, an iron elbow pipe, a hand grenade, and six live cartridges of AK-47 ammunition were found.