Two HuJI men held in Lucknow

The STF seized a huge quantity of explosives and sophisticated weapons from their possession. The seizures included 9 kg of high explosives, 10 detonators, four timers, 20 hand grenades, one Chinese-made pistol of 7.62 bore, one AK-47 rifle and a large number of cartridges.

“The seizure of arms and ammunition shows the terrorists’ preparation to face any challenge,” Uttar Pradesh DGP G L Sharma told reporters at a press conference after the duo’s arrest on Saturday morning.

Sharma disclosed that Babu had one of his men to execute the Varanasi blast. “Babu’s name also figured in the Shramjeevi blast incident,” the DGP added. According to him, Babu has developed his links in almost every part of the country, including Maharashtra and Gujarat. Babu’s main job was to provide explosive materials to terror module and select the target of the blasts. Babu had received training at a camp in Pakistan and was associated with the HUJI since 2001. Sharma also said Babu was involved in the much publicised 2001 kidnapping of Khadim Shoe owner Partho Burman.

Regarding Naushad’s role in the HuJI, the DGP said his task was to provide safe places for keeping the RDX which was supplied to him by Babu. Besides, Naushad was also tasked to motivate youths for training in Pakistan.