Delhi Police busts LeT-linked terror module, Bangladesh-based handler was in touch with Hafiz Saeed

Shabbir Ahmad Lone, a Kashmiri terrorist, is currently based in Bangladesh.

• Eight suspected LeT operatives arrested in TN and West Bengal
• Handler linked to Hafiz Saeed, ISI, and Bangladesh-based outfits
• Police seized phones, SIM cards; probe ongoing into wider network

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Eight suspected operatives of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were arrested in a major anti-terror crackdown after they were allegedly being guided by a Bangladesh-based handler who had direct communication with the outfit’s top leadership, including 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed.

The handler has been identified as Shabbir Ahmad Lone, a Kashmiri militant reportedly operating from Bangladesh. According to officials, Lone has maintained contact with Lashkar’s leadership since 2007 and is believed to have coordinated the recently exposed terror module.

Of the eight accused, six were detained from garment units in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, while two were arrested in West Bengal. The operation followed specific intelligence inputs suggesting plans for subversive activities in different parts of the country.

The probe has also indicated possible involvement of Pakistan’s intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Sources claim the ISI has been attempting to recruit Bangladeshi nationals illegally residing in India to carry out terror activities and may have provided financial assistance for recruitment and planning.

Of the eight accused, six were detained from garment units in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, while two were arrested in West Bengal. The operation followed specific intelligence inputs suggesting plans for subversive activities in different parts of the country.

Security agencies had earlier issued alerts regarding a potential attack near the Red Fort after intelligence reports warned that Lashkar could target prominent religious sites. During searches, authorities seized multiple mobile phones and SIM cards, which are now being analysed to trace the broader network and possible foreign connections.

Central agencies are assisting Delhi Police as the investigation continues, with intelligence inputs also warning of a possible Improvised Explosive Device (IED) plot.

Security agencies had on Saturday issued an alert about a possible explosion near the Red Fort after central intelligence inputs suggested that LeT may have placed prominent religious sites in India on its target list.

During searches, police recovered dozens of mobile phones and SIM cards from the suspects. These devices are now being analysed to map the network and establish possible foreign links.

Preliminary findings indicate the group was in touch with handlers connected to the ISI and certain Bangladesh-based outfits. Central agencies are assisting the Delhi Police in the ongoing probe.