Guwahati: In a calculated move reflecting meticulous planning, the Assam Police Special Task Force (STF) successfully apprehended Harish Ajmal Farooqi, alleged head of ISIS in India, and his associate Anurag Singh, alias Rehan, in Dhubri district on March 20. The huge success of the Indian security agencies has a lot to do with dismantling Islamic terrorism in the country.
How ISIS Terrorist Farukhi Was Arrested?
This operation, guided by intelligence provided by central agencies, was meticulously orchestrated over a 15-day period.
Under the leadership of STF IGP Partha Sarthi Mahanta, multiple teams were deployed in Dhubri district, in close coordination with local law enforcement, to gather crucial intelligence on the suspects’ movements. The utilisation of local spies proved invaluable, providing real-time updates on suspicious activities and enhancing the STF’s operational effectiveness.
The impending general elections heightened security concerns in the border district, necessitating heightened vigilance. Top-tier STF officers, including IGP Mahanta, arrived in Dhubri on March 19, to oversee the operation. Throughout the night, coordinated search efforts were conducted in suspected areas along the international border, with STF teams maintaining a heightened state of alertness.
The operation reached its climax around 4 am on March 20, when STF personnel intercepted Farooqi and Rehan in the Dharamsala area. Their swift apprehension underscored the strategic planning and seamless execution employed by the STF, as they promptly verified the suspects’ identities and confirmed their involvement in terrorist activities.
Following their arrest, Ajmal Farooqi and Rehan were expeditiously transported to Guwahati for initial interrogation. Subsequently, a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrived to take custody of the suspects for further investigation. The smooth coordination between the Assam STF and central agencies exemplifies the efficacy of interagency collaboration in combating terrorism.
The success of this operation not only led to the apprehension of high-profile terrorists but also yielded invaluable intelligence that will aid in disrupting terror networks and preventing future attacks. The Assam STF’s strategic planning, swift action, and seamless coordination underscore their unwavering commitment to safeguarding national security and ensuring the safety of citizens.
Terrorist Farooqi’s Modus Operandy
Harish Ajmal Farooqi, the head of the Indian faction of the ISIS terrorist organisation, is considered one of the most wanted terrorists in India, sought after by agencies like the NIA and UP ATS, as well as various state police anti-terrorist units. Farooqi’s notoriety stems from his expertise in IED operations, terrorist recruitment, and indoctrination. He has been linked to numerous anti-national activities within India. According to IGP Mahanta, Farooqi is a skilled recruiter, having enlisted dozens of youths into the fold of Islamic terrorist groups. Additionally, Farooqi is adept at indoctrination, using his persuasive techniques to radicalise individuals and incite them to join the jihad or engage in terrorist activities. His associate, Anurag Singh, also known as Rehan, who was apprehended with him in Dhubri, serves as a prime example of Farooqi’s indoctrination capabilities. Originally a Hindu from Sonipat, Haryana, Singh was allegedly persuaded by Farooqi to convert to Islam and subsequently became a prominent member of ISIS, underscoring Farooqi’s profound influence in the realm of radicalization and recruitment.
Terror Funding
Furthermore, Farooqi’s expertise extends to terror funding, a crucial aspect of sustaining terrorist activities in India. His proficiency in collecting and utilising funds for terrorism underscores his strategic prowess in orchestrating nefarious activities. Despite the heightened vigilance of security agencies, Farooqi managed to organise and circulate funds through various channels, navigating the complexities of terror financing. IGP Mahanta emphasised the challenges posed by terror funding, highlighting the perpetual vigilance required by security agencies. However, Farooqi’s apprehension represents a significant triumph for Indian security agencies. With his capture, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is optimistic about unravelling numerous terror links and dismantling the funding networks associated with Islamic terrorism in the country. Farooqi’s arrest marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, offering a glimmer of hope in the relentless pursuit of national security and stability.
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