Lashkar plotted to carry out terrorist attacks in India using Bangladesh as base

NEW DELHI: Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba allegedly planned terrorist attacks and sabotage activities at multiple locations in India by using Bangladesh as a base. Several sleeper cells were reportedly activated as part of the plan. The information came to light after eight Bangladeshi nationals were arrested recently in Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu and in West Bengal. Evidence related to the terror plot was found in the mobile phones of the accused. Investigators believe the terrorists tried to take advantage of the situation after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina lost power.

Delhi Police Special Cell ACP Pramod Singh Kushwaha said that Kashmiri terrorist Shabir Ahmad Lone recruited youths and activated sleeper cells while operating from Bangladesh as a base. Lone is also an accused in a 2007 case in which a large cache of weapons was seized. There are also indications of coordination with Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI.

Recently, intelligence inputs had warned of possible terror attacks at the Red Fort and a temple in Chandni Chowk in Delhi. Security has been tightened at key locations and for important leaders in the city.

Eight Bangladeshi nationals arrested
The Delhi Police Special Cell arrested eight Bangladeshi nationals, including Umar Farooq (31) from Malda in West Bengal, Robiul Islam (31) from Thakurgaon in Bangladesh, and Mohammad Mizanur Rahman (32), who was working in a textile mill in Tiruppur. The others arrested are Sefayat Hussain (34), Mohammad Sahidul Islam (40), Umar Mohammad Litan (40), Mohammad Ussal (27), and Umar (32). Police said they were living in India using fake Aadhaar cards.

Poster in Delhi
1. A poster appeared at the Janpath Metro Station praising slain Jaish-e-Mohammed militant Burhan Wani. Similar posters were later found in Kolkata, after which the Special Cell took over the case.
2. Umar Farooq told police that he was recruited by Shabir Ahmad Lone in March 2025 and was asked to monitor important institutions in India. He also sent videos of the posters being put up to Lone. The accused were allegedly instructed to buy weapons for possible attacks, and investigators are now probing whether they received funds for the same.
3. The Special Cell is continuing its investigation to trace Lone and the wider foreign network linked to the case.