Bihar: Terror module busted in Patna, former cop arrested; PM Modi’s rally was their target?

New Delhi: The Patna police on Wednesday busted a potential terror module and arrested 2 persons from Phulwari sharif area for indulging in anti-India activities. Both the accused are said to have links with the extremist outfit Popular Front of India (PFI). These suspected terrorists were providing weapons training to youths for past 15 days and were nabbed a day before PM Modi’s rally.

One of the accused, identified as Mohammad Jalaluddin is a retired police sub-inspector of Jharkhand police while the other Mohammad Athar Parvez, a former member of banned outfit Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).

“On July 6 and 7, in name of martial arts, locals were taught how to use swords and knives. They instigated others towards religious violence. We have CCTV footage as well as witness accounts,” Manish Kumar, Assistant Superintendent of police (ASP) said.

Athar Parvez is the brother of Manzar, accused in the Gandhi Maidan blasts in Patna. This has called for deeper probe as the police suspects that Narendra Modi rally in Patna (July 12) was the target of these suspects, much like last time.

Both the accused have been booked under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) act on charges on promoting enmity between two religions.

During the police raids, several incriminating documents have also been seized and PFI flags & posters have also been recovered, thus giving enough hints of their association with the radical group. At least 25 PFI pamphlets were also recovered from them.

Patna SSP Manavjit Singh Dhillon said a police team led by Additional SP (Phulwarisharif) Manish Kumar conducted a raid at the house named as Ahmad Palace and nabbed 2 suspects.

Sinister terror plot in the making

According to police, the retired cop and former SIMI member are part of a sinister plot to train the youth for spreading terror in the country. Both these suspected terrorists used to train youths in name of PFI and SDFI. Police sources said that these two along with suspects from Kerala, Chennai & Telangana used to train the locals under the garb of martial arts training. The youngsters were also being brainwashed at camps organized by them.

Police also informed that these accused, Athar in particular received funds from many Islamic countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh & Turkey for running anti-national campaigns.