The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a suspected terrorist associated with the Islamic State (ISIS) in connection with a planned terror conspiracy.
NIA in a statement today said that the 11th accused Rizwan Ali, along with the 10 other accused, had conspired to commit a series of terror acts to destabilize the country and spread communal disharmony.
The accused, Rizwan Ali, is known by multiple names Sami Ali, Abul Salina, and Danish, was apprehended from Lucknow.
He is a resident of the Daryaganj area in Delhi.
The arrest comes as part of an ongoing investigation into attempts to carry out terror attacks across major Indian cities including Pune and Mumbai.
The case first surfaced in 2023 when two individuals were arrested in Pune’s Kothrud area in connection with a motorcycle theft. During the probe, authorities discovered their involvement in a larger terror plot, including plans to launch attacks across the country. Further investigation revealed that the duo had been residing in the Kondhwa area of Pune.
A police raid at their residence in Kondhwa led to the seizure of bomb-making materials and documents containing sensitive information related to key defence establishments of the city. Initially handled by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), the case was later transferred to the NIA.
Upon taking over the investigation, the NIA discovered the accused had links with ISIS operatives active in Pune, Mumbai, and Thane.
It was also found that these individuals were trying to radicalize and recruit local youth into the terror network. A case was filed by the NIA against 11 suspects, including a doctor from Pune.
Rizwan Ali had been on the run since the case was registered. He was actively involved in training others in the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and firearms. His arrest is considered a significant breakthrough in the Pune terror conspiracy case.
In addition to Rizwan Ali, ten others have been named in the charge sheet filed under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
