3 held for plotting killings in South India

New Delhi: The Delhi police special cell has busted a terror module funded by the underworld and arrested three men, including an Afghan national, for allegedly planning to kill prominent leaders in South India, officials said on Saturday.  

The accused were identified as Wali Mohammad Saifi (45), a resident of Afghanistan; Sheikh Riyajuddin alias Raja alias Aalami (32), a resident of Madangir in Delhi; and Muhthasim CM alias Thaslim (41), a resident of Kerala.

“On January 9, police received information that some India based operatives of the underworld, on the instructions of their abroad-based handlers, are planning to kill some important persons in South India,” DCP (Special Cell) Pramod Singh Kushwaha said.

Later on January 11, two persons — Wali Mohammed Saifi and Riyazudin Sheikh — were arrested from Delhi. One pistol and three live cartridges were recovered from each accused, Mr Kushwaha said.

On their instance, one Muhthasim CM alias Thaslim was arrested from Kasaragod in Kerala with the assistance of Kasaragod police, he said.

“During interrogation, it was revealed that Muhthasim and Saifi knew each other as they had businesses in Dubai. Muhthasim had planned to eliminate important persons in South India. For this purpose he roped in Saifi, who in turn roped in Riyajuddin, and thereafter procured weapons for the task,” the DCP said.

According to sources, the underworld is allegedly behind the conspiracy to kill political leaders.

Two pistols, six live cartridges, and mobile phones were recovered from their possessions, police said.