Daijiworld Media Network - Jaipur
Jaipur, Aug 11: In a significant breakthrough, Rajasthan’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and Punjab’s Special Operation Cell have jointly foiled a major terror plot orchestrated by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, officials said on Monday.
The accused were allegedly planning grenade attacks in Delhi and Gwalior ahead of Independence Day, following a blast last month in front of a liquor shop in Nawashahr, Punjab, meant to extort money and spread fear.
Acting on intelligence, police arrested key suspects from Jaipur and Tonk on Sunday, including Jitendra Chaudhary (Tonk), Sanjay (Hanumangarh), and Sonu alias Kali (Punjab), along with three minors. The arrests came before they could carry out further attacks. The suspects have been handed over to Punjab Police for interrogation.
The joint investigation revealed that the network was being coordinated by Zeeshan Akhtar, a handler based in Canada, believed to be linked with Pakistani gangster Shahzad Bhatti. Zeeshan is known for recruiting Indian youth via Instagram and other social media platforms, offering financial incentives for terror activities. He had also claimed responsibility for the murder of Baba Siddiqui in Mumbai.
Zeeshan reportedly supplied grenades to the group and assigned them specific targets in Delhi and Gwalior timed around August 15.
The undercover operation was led by Inspector Ram Singh and SI Narendra Singh under ADGP Crime Dinesh M.N. and ASP Siddhant Sharma. Technical support was provided by Constable Sanjay, with a team comprising SIs Dushyant Singh, Head Constable Shahid Ali, and others.
Authorities have intensified efforts to identify more members of the network and prevent any future attacks. Investigations remain ongoing.