Delhi Police Achieves Major Breakthrough: Arrests Suspected ISIS Terrorist

In a significant operation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Delhi Police special cell have jointly arrested a suspected ISIS terrorist who had been on the NIA’s most-wanted list. The apprehended individual, identified as Shahnawaz alias Shafi Uzzama, was located and arrested at a hideout in the national capital.

Shahnawaz, an engineer by profession, was wanted in connection with the ISIS Pune module case. Originally from Delhi, he had relocated to Pune. In a July raid in Pune, two of his associates were arrested, while Shahnawaz managed to evade capture and return to Delhi, where he had been residing in hiding.

The NIA had recently offered a cash reward of ₹3 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Shahnawaz and three other terror suspects—Rizwan Abdul Haji Ali, Abdulla Faiyaz Shaikh alias Diaperwala, and Talha Liyakat Khan.

Shahnawaz, Abdulla, and Rizwan had reportedly been radicalized through the Telegram app and were associated with an ISIS module in Pune, Maharashtra. Their alleged aim was to incite violence and terror within the country. Abdulla, who ran a diaper store in Pune, is suspected of using it for assembling explosive devices and may attempt to flee to Oman, according to NIA sources.

Rizwan Ali, originally from Delhi, had previously faced allegations of ISIS links in 2018, along with his younger brother. However, security agencies failed to find concrete evidence against them, leading to Rizwan’s release after a deradicalization program. He then relocated to Pune, where he claimed to be running a computer business and got married. Recently, he returned to Delhi due to his father’s deteriorating health, but two months ago, he left his home under undisclosed circumstances.

This joint operation between the NIA and the Delhi Police special cell signifies a crucial breakthrough in counter-terrorism efforts and demonstrates the continued vigilance and commitment of security agencies in dismantling terrorist networks across India.