Investigators have uncovered alleged links between a recently dismantled terror module and senior leadership of the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), with sources indicating that the Bangladesh-based handler of eight suspects arrested in a major anti-terror operation had direct communication with top figures including 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed and senior commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi.
According to officials familiar with the investigation, the handler has been identified as Shabbir Ahmad Lone, a Kashmiri militant currently believed to be operating from Bangladesh. Sources said Lone had maintained contact with LeT leadership since at least 2007 and is suspected of playing a central role in coordinating the recently exposed network. Evidence of his links to senior Lashkar figures allegedly first emerged when he was arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell in 2007, during which investigators reportedly recovered material indicating regular communication with Saeed and Lakhvi.
Security agencies are also examining possible involvement of Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Sources claim the ISI may have been attempting to recruit Bangladeshi nationals illegally residing in India to carry out attacks, while also providing financial assistance for recruitment and operational planning linked to the suspected module.
Earlier in the day, Delhi Police arrested eight individuals accused of planning a major terror conspiracy targeting locations in the national capital. Six of the suspects — identified as Mizanur Rahman, Mohammad Shabat, Umar, Mohammad Litan, Mohammad Shahid and Mohammed Ujjal — were detained from garment units in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruppur district, while two others were arrested in West Bengal. Officials said the operation followed specific intelligence inputs indicating that a coordinated network was preparing subversive activities across multiple regions.
Search operations led to the seizure of numerous mobile phones and SIM cards, which are now undergoing forensic examination to trace communication channels and establish international connections. Preliminary findings suggest the accused were in contact with handlers linked to the ISI and extremist groups based in Bangladesh. Central intelligence agencies are assisting Delhi Police as the investigation continues.
Security alerts had recently been issued after intelligence inputs warned of a potential explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort, with agencies indicating that prominent religious sites could be potential targets. Investigators are also examining whether the alleged plot was connected to attempts by LeT to retaliate for a February 6 blast at a mosque in Islamabad.
The latest alert follows heightened security concerns after a deadly car explosion near the Red Fort in November last year, which killed at least 13 people and injured more than 20 when an explosives-laden vehicle detonated near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro station. Authorities are continuing to analyse recovered evidence to determine the full scale of the network and identify additional operatives or foreign links connected to the case.
