76 days after he escaped from Pune Police’s custody, suspected ISIS terrorist Shahnawaz alias Shafi Uzzama was arrested by the special cell of the Delhi police in Delhi earlier today (October 2, 2023). In this article, Sagarika Mitra, Content Head of JAN KI BAAT, delves into the case, highlights details of his arrest, his escape, and the subsequent investigations against ISIS terrorists and suspects in India
The Escape:
Shahnawaz, along with two other individuals, Mohammad Imran Mohammad Yunus Khan and Mohammad Yunus Mohammad Yakub Saki, was first arrested by the Kothrud police in Pune on July 18. They were apprehended while attempting to steal a two-wheeler. However, during their transfer to their residence at Kondhwa in Pune for a search operation, Shahnawaz managed to escape from the police vehicle, setting off a massive manhunt.
Terror Materials Seized:
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) took over the probe and, with crucial leads from Khan and Saki, seized acid and various chemicals used for bomb-making in Bopatghat near Kondhwa. Additionally, the laptops and mobile phones of the accused contained 500 GB of data with links to YouTube bomb-making videos and Google images of potential targets.
Expanding Investigation:
ATS investigation uncovered the group’s visits to Kolhapur, Sangli, and Satara, prompting further inquiries into their plans for these regions. The arrest of two more suspects, Aakif Ateeque Nachan and Zulfikar Ali Barodawala, in Thane district on August 8, led to the case being transferred to the NIA
The Most-Wanted List:
National Investigation Agency (NIA) escalated the search for Shahnawaz and his associates by releasing their pictures last month. A reward of ₹3 lakh was offered for credible information leading to their capture. The NIA has assured informants of strict confidentiality to encourage cooperation.
The ISIS Connection:
This case’s significance lies in its connection to the Pune ISIS module, that was allegedy planning bomb blasts at various locations. Shahnawaz and his associates had procured explosives and were conducted tests in remote forested areas, to ensure their well-orchestrated plot to incite violence and terror gets successful.
The Network:
Apart from Shahnawaz, three other suspects were identified – Talha Liyakat Khan from Pune, Rizwan Abdul Haji Ali, and Abdulla Faiyaz Shaikh alias Daiperwala, both from Delhi. This network highlights the disturbing ease with which ISIS inspired terrorists can spread across states in India
Foreign-Based Handler:
During the investigation, it emerged that a foreign-based handler had potentially initiated contact between Shahnawaz and his associates in February, with instructions to carry out a terror strike.
Collaborative Efforts:
The successful operation to arrest suspected ISIS terrorist Shafi Uzzama exemplifies the power of collaborative efforts among various law enforcement agencies, including the Delhi Police Special Cell and the NIA
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