New Delhi: Delhi Police, in a major crackdown, has arrested a suspected Islamic State (IS) terrorist, Shahnawaz, who was on the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) wanted list.
This arrest by the Delhi Police’s Special Cell comes shortly after the NIA declared a reward of Rs 3 lakh for information leading to Shahnawaz’s capture.
Shahnawaz, who hails from a neighbourhood in south-east Delhi, was also wanted in the Pune ISIS case.
Shahnawaz, an engineer by profession, managed to evade Pune police custody and was living in Delhi, ANI quoted Delhi Police.
Shahnawaz was briefly apprehended by Pune Police on the night of July 17-18 while attempting to steal a motorcycle in Pune’s Kothrud area. He managed to flee while being taken to his hideout for further questioning.
The police later arrested two of Shahnawaz’s associates, Imran and Yunus, in Pune, leading them to believe that these individuals are likely associated with an IS-inspired module.
During investigation, it was revealed that a handler based in a foreign location had potentially connected Shahnawaz with Imran and Yunus in February, providing instructions for carrying out a terrorist attack.
The Special Cell of Delhi Police has also detained some other people. Further investigation in the case is under way, said Delhi police.