Mumbai Police was on the hunt for Zia Ur Rehman alias Waqas, who is wanted for his role in the 13/7 serial blasts in the city
Top Indian Mujahideen terrorist Zia Ur Rehman alias Waqas, a Pakistani national wanted in connection with several bombings, and three associates have been arrested from Rajasthan by Delhi Police which claimed to have averted a spectacular terror attack during elections.
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“Rehman, a dreaded terrorist, exported by Pakistan-based ISI, is wanted in a series of bombings carried out all over India along with his absconding associates,” said Special Commissioner (Special Cell) S N Shrivastava.
He was arrested outside Ajmer railway station early in the morning yesterday, when he alighted from a train, which came from Bandra, Mumbai.
His three associates, identified as Mohammad Mahruf (21), Mohammad Waqar Azhar alias Haneef (21), both residents of Jaipur, and Shaquib Ansari alias Khalid (25) of Jodhpur, were arrested at his instance in the wee hours from their residences with the help of Rajasthan police.
A youth, whose identity police did not reveal, was picked up for questioning from Shaheen Bagh area from Jamia Nagar for questioning, as he was in touch with the three arrested from Jaipur and Jodhpur.
“We have recovered a huge amount of explosive materials, detonators, electronic circuits/timers from the residence of these three people from Jaipur and Jodhpur. With this, a spectacular terrorist strike has been averted,” said Shrivastava.
Eye on polls?
Asked whether the terrorists had plans to target BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, Shrivastava said, “Present level of investigation doesn’t point towards it.”
On whether they were planning attack on any politician or rally during Lok Sabha elections, he said, “Any important event, including elections, can be targeted, but we are at a very preliminary stage of investigation, and I would not like to speculate as of now.”
25-year-old Rehman has disclosed that the purpose of his visit to Ajmer was to coordinate and oversee the preparations being carried out by the three terrorists of the Rajasthan module for carrying out a spectacular terror strike, said Shrivastava.
An expert in IED and other explosives, Rehman was brought to Delhi and produced in a Special Court, which remanded him in 10-day police custody. His detailed interrogation is under way, police said.
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