The Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested Shabir Ahmed Lonean alleged operative of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), in connection with a multi-state terror module uncovered earlier this year.
Authorities identified Lone as a key handler of a network of “highly radicalised operatives” involved in activities across several regions. Originally from Jammu and Kashmir, he was reportedly operating from Bangladesh at the time of the investigation.
Background: Metro Poster Case
The case came to light on February 8 following a complaint by a CISF official at the Supreme Court Metro Station in Delhi. The complaint highlighted the presence of posters containing pro-Pakistan slogans and messages supporting extremist elements at the nearby Janpath Metro Station.
Subsequent verification revealed that similar posters had been placed at multiple locations across the national capital.
The posters reportedly featured images of Burhan Wani and carried slogans such as “India Stop Genocide & Free Kashmir,” along with other messages in Urdu.
Legal Action and Investigation
An FIR was registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with provisions of the DPDP Act. Given the seriousness of the case, the investigation was transferred to the Special Cell of the Delhi Police.
During the probe, authorities arrested eight operatives in February, many of whom were identified as Bangladeshi nationals allegedly using forged identities to operate within India.
Wider Network Uncovered
Investigations revealed a broader network spanning multiple states:
- Arrests were made in Kolkataincluding individuals from Malda and Bangladesh’s Thakurgaon district
- Further leads led to operations in Tiruppurwhere additional suspects were detained
- Six more individuals from Bogura, Bangladesh, were apprehended during coordinated raids
According to police officials, interrogation indicated that Lone had been in contact with key operatives since March 2025 and allegedly played a role in indoctrinating them.
Alleged Terror Plot
Officials stated that the accused had planned to use individuals posing as Indian citizens to carry out reconnaissance of sensitive installations.
“Shabir’s plan involved using foreign nationals with assumed identities to conduct surveillance and prepare for potential attacks,” a senior police official said.
Operatives were reportedly instructed to gather and share video footage of critical locations for further assessment.
Security Implications
The arrest is seen as a significant development in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, highlighting concerns over cross-border radicalisation networks and the misuse of forged identities.
Investigations are ongoing to identify additional links and prevent further threats.
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