In a major counter-terrorism operation, the Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested six terror suspects from the Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu. According to police officials, the suspects are allegedly linked to cross-border terrorist organizations and Pakistan's intelligence agency, the ISI. The group includes several Bangladeshi nationals who were reportedly residing in India illegally, while following their apprehension, the suspects were transported to Delhi via train under heavy security for further interrogation. Preliminary investigations suggest that the module was planning to execute significant terror activities across various parts of the country.
Arrests Conducted Across Garment Units in Tiruppur
The Special Cell conducted coordinated raids based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of a sleeper cell in the industrial hub of Tiruppur. According to authorities, the suspects were picked up from different garment manufacturing units where they were employed as laborers. Providing details of the operation, officials stated that 02 suspects were arrested from Uthukuli, 03 from Palladam, and 01 from the Tirumuruganpoondi area. By working in these labor-intensive sectors, the suspects managed to maintain a low profile and evade the scrutiny of local security agencies for a considerable period.
Identification and Background of the Suspects
The arrested individuals have been identified as Mijanur Rahman, Mohammad Shabat, Umar, Mohammad Litan, Mohammad Shahid, and Mohammad Ujjal. Investigative agencies have revealed that some of these individuals are Bangladeshi nationals who entered India through porous border points without valid documentation. They had been staying in Tamil Nadu's industrial belts, blending in with the migrant workforce, while the police are currently mapping their previous activities and identifying other potential associates within India. The documents seized from them are undergoing rigorous verification to understand the full extent of their network.
Use of Forged Aadhaar Cards and Identity Concealment
The investigation has uncovered that all the suspects were utilizing forged Aadhaar cards to conceal their true identities. According to officials, these individuals tampered with Indian identification documents to establish a local presence. While posing as garment industry workers, they were allegedly involved in expanding their terror network and radicalizing others. The police noted that the forged documents were used to procure multiple SIM cards and access local services. This aspect of the case highlights a significant security concern regarding the ease with which foreign nationals can obtain fraudulent identification to stay undetected.
Recovery of Digital Evidence and Cross-Border Funding
During the search operations, the police recovered 8 mobile phones and 16 SIM cards from the possession of the suspects. Forensic analysis of the digital devices has provided crucial leads, indicating constant communication with foreign handlers via encrypted social media platforms. Officials stated that the suspects were in touch with handlers based in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Evidence of radical content and posts supporting Pakistan-based terror groups was also found on their devices, while On top of that, the investigation suggests that the module was receiving financial support from across the border through illegal channels to sustain their operations in India.
Reconnaissance Activities and Radicalization Efforts
Interrogations have revealed that the suspects had conducted reconnaissance of several prominent cities and sensitive installations across India. According to the police, the group was also active on social media, attempting to influence and radicalize local youth. Their primary objective was to establish a strong sleeper cell capable of executing coordinated attacks when instructed by their handlers. The Delhi Police Special Cell is now investigating the specific targets identified by the module and whether any consignments of arms or explosives were expected. The suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues to unfold.
