Delhi: Two Jaish terrorists, planning attack on Republic Day, arrested
In a major achievement, the Delhi police on Thursday announced its special cell has arrested two Jaish-E-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists who were allegedly planning attacks in the National Capital on Republic Day, Saturday. Three crowded markets, two important tourist destinations, a religious structure, and a gas pipeline were on the target of the terrorists. The terrorists were identified as Abdul Latif Ganaie and Hilal Ahmad.
Lajpat Nagar, Jama Masjid, Palika Bazar were on their targets
The notorious terrorist outfit was planning to attack markets at Lajpat Nagar, Jama Masjid and Palika Bazar. The gas pipeline which passes through Wazirabad was also on their target. Rajpath and India Gate were on their radar too. The arrested men had conducted an inspection of five out of the seven alleged target spots. They were nabbed before they could reach gas pipeline spot.
Notably, Ganaie was previously arrested in J&K for stone pelting
DCP (special cell) Pramod Singh Kushwah said Ganaie was arrested near Rajghat late last Sunday. He was living in a flat in Laxmi Nagar. A semi-automatic pistol, 26 cartridges and three "rubber stamps" with names of a few top JeM terrorists were recovered from him. In J&K, he had been arrested twice for stone pelting. His father is a surrendered terrorist who helped forces.
Another operative was arrested from Bandipora
Ganaie is reportedly Jaish's commander in Ganderbal, J&K. He allegedly carried out attacks in areas like Srinagar and Bandipora. After Ganaie was grilled, he led police to Hilal Ahmad. The 26-year-old operative was arrested from Bandipora on Wednesday. Two hand grenades were found from Ahmad's house, police claimed. The terrorists were given the explosives by Abu Mauz alias Abu Bakar, Ganaie's Pakistani handler.
Ganaie was told to 'disrupt' India's R-Day celebrations
Kushwah revealed Mauz had allegedly directed Ganaie to throw grenades and explosives on police in J&K. He was also asked to attack 'vital places' in Delhi to 'disrupt' India's Republic Day celebrations. Mauz and Ganaie were in touch through some mobile apps, the latter told police. "He (Ganaie) was radicalized while studying at a madrasa in Sopore five years ago," the DCP said.
