Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Investigators probing an alleged ISI-backed terror module have uncovered fresh links to Karachi’s Clifton Road area, a high-profile neighbourhood known for its connections to underworld figures including Dawood Ibrahim, with agencies claiming the network was being directed from Pakistan with Delhi and Mumbai among its potential targets.
The revelations have emerged from the interrogation of eight suspects arrested recently by the Delhi Police Special Cell and central agencies in connection with an alleged terror and organised crime network. Large quantities of weapons and hand grenades were recovered during the operation.
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According to investigators, the module was allegedly operating under the guidance of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence and figures linked to the D-Company network.
DAWOOD AIDE UNDER SCANNER
The investigation has identified Syed Mudassar Hussain, alias Munna Jhingada, as a key handler of the module.
Officials claim Jhingada is a close associate of both underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and his aide Chhota Shakeel. He is alleged to have played the role of operational coordinator for the network from Pakistan.
According to the probe, Jhingada established a safe house in Karachi, located near a five-star hotel and around four kilometres from the residence commonly referred to by agencies as Dawood Ibrahim’s “White House” compound.
Investigators believe the location was used to coordinate activities involving recruits and operatives based in India.
VIDEO CALLS, RECRUITMENT AND FUNDING
Agency sources claim Jhingada regularly communicated with operatives through video calls from the Karachi safe house and was involved in building what investigators described as a new underworld-backed jihadi network inside India.
During questioning, arrested suspects allegedly revealed that the module had been assembled at the direction of the ISI and that Jhingada remained in constant touch with members of the group.
Investigators also claim that Jhingada shared his latest photographs with operatives to establish his identity and authority within the network.
DELHI, MUMBAI WERE ALLEGED TARGETS
The probe has found that Delhi and Mumbai were among the locations allegedly identified by the module for future operations.
According to investigators, reconnaissance activities had already been carried out in both cities.
The alleged network was also involved in arranging weapons and logistical support for operatives inside India, agencies claim.
WEAPONS DROP AND MONEY TRAIL
Investigators say some members of the module had demanded Rs 20 lakh to carry out operations in India.
Agency sources allege that token payments were made and that consignments of weapons and hand grenades originating from Pakistan were subsequently dropped in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district at the direction of Jhingada and handlers linked to the ISI.
The interrogation has also revealed alleged conversations between handlers and operatives discussing funding, recruitment and future plans.
According to investigators, one message from handlers told recruits, “Mashallah, complete the work.”
Another message allegedly promised, “We will bring you to Dubai through Nepal.”
Operatives, meanwhile, allegedly demanded money and narcotics, with one exchange referring to a demand for “chitta” and a payment of Rs 20 lakh.
CLIFTON ROAD BACK IN FOCUS
The findings have once again brought Karachi’s Clifton Road area into focus for Indian security agencies.
Investigators believe the neighbourhood continues to serve as an important base for figures linked to organised crime and cross-border terror networks, although the claims made during the investigation are yet to be tested in court.
The investigation remains ongoing, with agencies examining financial trails, communication records and cross-border links connected to the alleged module.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
