Al Qaeda-linked Bengaluru madrasa teacher sent to police custody

The madrasa teacher, who was arrested by Delhi Police for suspected links with the al Qaeda from Bengaluru, was on Friday sent to police custody till January 20.

The alleged member of the terror group, identified as Maulana Anzar Shah, was arrested by the anti-terrorist special cell of Delhi Police in its ongoing operation against al Qaeda in the Indian sub-continent (AQIS) on Wednesday, reported unnamed police sources.

The sources said that Shah was plotting to carry out a series of terror strikes in the country. He was brought to Delhi on a transit remand and was produced at the Patiala House court on Friday.

“The aim of the group was to attack some prominent leaders along with the crowded and tourist places,” added the sources.

The special cell had in December last year arrested two AQIS operatives Zafar Masood and Abdul Rehman. Reportedly, Shah’s name popped up during their interrogation. Another terrorist in custody, Mohammed Asif, the recruitment and training head of AQIS, had also confessed to meeting Shah at a religious congregation in Bengaluru, sources said.

Shah had reactivated himself to provide logistical support when contacted by the AQIS operatives. The special cell also has the details of financial transaction between them and Shah, reports said.

(With Agency Inputs)