New Delhi: In a major revelation, the Delhi Police disclosed that the Islamic State (IS) operative Shahnawaz Alam, who was apprehended by the Special Cell, had conducted surveillance missions to assess the routes of prominent political figures in metropolitan areas of Maharashtra and Gujarat. His intent was to strategically place improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and carry out targeted assassinations.
During interrogation, Alam revealed to the police that he had conducted surveillance of VIP political leaders’ routes in Surat, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Mumbai, among others, for the planting of IEDs and carrying out targeted killings.
Police further revealed that Alam had also analysed the map of West Rajasthan to find IED testing points.
Shahnawaz was arrested in Jaitpur, South Delhi, earlier today. He also had a reward of Rs 3 lakh for his arrest and was also on the NIA’s most wanted list. They were wanted for their involvement in the Pune ISIS case.
Addressing a media briefing, Special Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) HS Dhaliwal said, “Last month NIA declared award on three persons who have alleged involvement in blasts cases. Of them, Mohammad Shahnawaz, the main accused, has been arrested with his two associates– Mohammad Rizwan Ashraf and Mohammad Arshad Warsi.”
Dhaliwal also reported that bomb-making literature and other incriminating materials were discovered in Shahnawaz’s hideouts, which were allegedly sent by Pakistani handlers.
Earlier, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) unveiled images of four individuals suspected of involvement in the Pune ISIS module case. The NIA also assured that the informant’s identity would remain confidential. Shahnawaz was briefly nabbed by Pune Police in July while trying to steal a motorcycle in Kothrud, Pune.