Delhi Police bust LeT terror cell; Hafiz Saeed links surface after 8 arrests

Probe reveals alleged links to Hafiz Saeed and cross-border handlers

February 23, 2026

Lone’s alleged ties to Hafiz Saeed under probe

Special Cell uncovers Bangladesh-based module plotting attacks; mastermind Shabir Ahmad Lone on the run

A poster complaint at the Supreme Court Metro station on February 8 triggered a major anti-terror crackdown that led to the arrest of eight alleged operatives linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Delhi Police said.

Radical posters glorifying extremist figures and carrying pro-Pakistan slogans were found across parts of central Delhi. The Special Cell registered an FIR under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, launching a multi-state probe.

Multi-state raids expose network

Investigations led to the arrest of two suspects — Umar Faruk from West Bengal and Robiul Islam, a Bangladeshi national — in Kolkata on February 15. Six more Bangladeshi nationals were arrested in coordinated raids in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruppur on February 21.

Police said the accused were living in India using forged documents and working in garment factories to avoid suspicion.

Raids recovered mobile phones, credit and debit cards, POS machines, Bangladeshi passports and pro-Pakistan propaganda material. Investigators also found videos allegedly showing reconnaissance of sensitive sites in Delhi, including the Red Fort, and evidence of attempts to procure weapons.

Alleged handler in Bangladesh

Police identified Shabir Ahmad Lone, originally from Srinagar and currently believed to be in Bangladesh, as the alleged mastermind. Officials claim Lone had past terror links and maintained contact with LeT leadership, including founder Hafiz Saeed and senior commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, both wanted by India.

According to investigators, Lone radicalised recruits online, coordinated poster campaigns in Delhi and Kolkata, and allegedly routed funds for logistics and weapons. Communications were reportedly conducted via encrypted messaging platforms.

ISI backing suspected

Police sources said Lone was allegedly supported by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to recruit Bangladeshi nationals residing illegally in India and plan terror activities. Investigators are probing possible links with other regional extremist outfits operating in Bangladesh.

Major attack averted

Officials described the operation — spanning Delhi, Gurugram, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu — as a significant breakthrough that may have prevented attacks on religious and high-value targets.

Seven of the eight arrested are Bangladeshi nationals, while Lone remains absconding. Further investigations are underway to trace funding channels, sleeper cells and cross-border handlers.

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