Indian security agencies have arrested eight people — including six Bangladeshi nationals — over their alleged links to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and terrorist organisations operating in Bangladesh, a day after authorities issued an alert warning of a possible terror attack near the Red Fort in Delhi.
Police said the arrests were made in coordinated operations across Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, following intelligence inputs suggesting reconnaissance activities and preparatory steps for potential terror operations in multiple Indian states.
According to investigators, videos recovered from the accused’s mobile phones show that they had conducted reconnaissance, or “recces,” at several locations, indicating preparation for future attacks.
Trail Begins With ‘Free Kashmir’ Posters in Delhi
The case came to light after posters reading “Free Kashmir” appeared at multiple locations in the national capital, including the Janpath Metro Station, during the recently concluded AI Impact Summit in Delhi.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Pramod Singh Kushwaha, speaking to reporters in Delhi, said the initial suspects were tracked down through CCTV and metro surveillance.
“The metro police identified the two men who had pasted the posters. Our investigation showed that both had fled to Kolkata soon after,” Kushwaha said.
The case was formally transferred to the Delhi Police Special Cell on February 13.
Accused Tracked to Kolkata, Tamil Nadu
Police said two of the accused — Umar Farook and Robiul Islam, a Bangladeshi national — were arrested in Kolkata after multiple raids. Investigators said both men had previously been involved in credit card fraud before allegedly being drawn into terror-linked activities.
“They had multiple credit card machines. They used to swipe cards and receive cashbacks,” a senior police officer said, describing their earlier criminal operations.
According to police, Robiul had been arrested earlier in India in 2007. Investigators allege that Umar and Robiul were acting under instructions from Shabir Ahmad Lone, who police say is currently based in Bangladesh and linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba.
‘Dry Run’ and Video Proof Sent to Handler
Police detailed how the accused allegedly carried out a “dry run” to test operational readiness.
“On February 6, Umar and Robiul flew from Kolkata to Delhi. On the night of February 7, they pasted posters at 10 locations in Delhi, recorded videos, and left for Kolkata the next day by train,” Kushwaha said.
He added that the videos were sent to Lone, who congratulated them and instructed them to repeat the activity in Kolkata.
“Similar posters were later affixed at metro stations in Kolkata on February 10,” another officer said.
Recruitment of Bangladeshi Nationals in Tamil Nadu
Investigators said Umar and Robiul were also tasked with recruiting people of Bangladeshi origin for terror-related activities. This led police to six Bangladeshi nationals working in garment factories in Tamil Nadu.
The six were identified as Md Mizanur Rehman (32), Md Sefayat Hossain (34), Md Zahidul Islam (40), Md Liton (40), Md Uzzal (27), and Umar (32).
They were arrested on Saturday in a joint operation by the Delhi Police Special Cell and the Tamil Nadu Police.
“Raids were conducted at three garment factories. Two accused were arrested from Uthukuli, one from Thirumuruganpoondi, and three from Palladam,” a police officer said.
Police added that most of the accused had illegally crossed into India years ago through West Bengal before moving south. Their Aadhaar cards were found to be forged.
Background of Alleged Handler
Investigators described Lone as a seasoned operative with a long militant history. He was arrested in 2007 for allegedly plotting an attack on a high-profile political leader, during which sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles, were recovered.
“At the time, Lone had direct links with Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed and his deputy Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi,” an officer said.
Police said Lone underwent training at both Daura-e-Aam (basic terror camps) and Daura-e-Khas (specialised terror camps) in Pakistan. After being released from Tihar Jail in 2018, he allegedly fled to Bangladesh, where he re-established links with Lashkar-e-Taiba and began recruiting operatives.
Investigators also named Saidul Islam, another Bangladeshi national currently believed to be in a foreign country, as Lone’s accomplice.
“Saidul facilitated Lone’s illegal entry into Bangladesh, arranged hideouts, and provided information about Bangladeshi workers in Tamil Nadu,” Kushwaha said.
Security Agencies on High Alert
The arrests come amid heightened security across Delhi following the Red Fort alert. Officials said investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the alleged module, possible funding channels, and whether additional operatives remain active.
Police said further arrests have not been ruled out as they continue to analyze digital evidence, financial records, and cross-border links connected to the case.
