How Did TN’s Most Wanted Militant, Abubacker Siddique, Evade Capture for 30 Years?
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Synopsis
In a stunning development, the Tamil Nadu Police’s Anti-Terrorism Squad has captured Abubacker Siddique, a notorious militant, after he eluded capture for 30 years. This arrest marks a crucial milestone in the fight against terror and promises to unravel further connections within terror networks.
Key Takeaways
- Abubacker Siddique arrested after 30 years.
- Captured in Annamayya district, Andhra Pradesh.
- Linked to multiple terrorist incidents in Tamil Nadu.
- His arrest may aid ongoing investigations.
- Focus on dismantling sleeper cells continues.
Chennai, July 1 (NationPress) In a remarkable achievement against enduring terror networks, the Tamil Nadu Police’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) successfully apprehended Abubacker Siddique, the state’s most sought-after militant, from a secluded hideaway in Andhra Pradesh after nearly three decades of evasion.
Siddique (60), originally from Nagore, was captured alongside Mohammed Ali (also known as Yunus or Mansoor), another individual with multiple terror-related warrants against him.
Following actionable intelligence, the ATS located and arrested the pair in the Annamayya district of Andhra Pradesh.
A notorious bomb-maker and radical thinker, Siddique had been eluding law enforcement since 1995, carrying a bounty of Rs 5 lakh. He is suspected to be the architect behind numerous high-profile terrorist acts in Tamil Nadu and adjacent regions.
Moreover, he was pivotal in guiding several significant radical figures, such as Bilal Malik, ‘Police’ Fakruddin, and Panna Ismail.
Authorities characterized Siddique’s arrest as a pivotal moment in counter-terrorism initiatives, considering his involvement in a series of lethal assaults, including the 1995 bombing at the Hindu Munnani office in Chintadripet, Chennai, and a parcel bomb explosion in Nagore that resulted in the death of a man named Thangam.
He also orchestrated bomb-planting operations at seven sites across Chennai, Trichy, Coimbatore, and parts of Kerala in 1999, which included an attempt on the Chennai Police Commissioner’s Office in Egmore.
The Tamil Nadu Police revealed that the terror figure was also implicated in the failed assassination attempt on former Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani during his Rath Yatra in Madurai in 2011.
He faced charges for the 2012 murder of Dr. Arvind Reddy in Vellore and was linked to the 2013 bomb explosion near the BJP office in Malleswaram, Bengaluru. Mohammed Ali, from Melapalayam in Tirunelveli, had been on the run for 26 years and is also named in the 1999 multi-location bombing case.
Both individuals are associated with efforts to incite communal strife and execute targeted assaults on political and religious figures. These arrests provide a significant morale boost for law enforcement and are anticipated to facilitate progress in several stalled investigations.
Senior officials stated that this operation reflects the ATS’s ongoing intelligence-gathering and coordination efforts across states.
Siddique and Ali will be presented before a judicial magistrate and remanded to custody, with their interrogation expected to provide vital insights into the functioning of terror networks in southern India.
Authorities have hailed these arrests as a decisive move toward dismantling dormant sleeper cells and reaffirmed their commitment to averting extremist violence and ensuring public safety.
Point of View
I believe the arrest of Abubacker Siddique signifies a pivotal moment in our ongoing struggle against terrorism. This operation not only underscores the dedication of our law enforcement agencies but also highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among states to combat extremist threats effectively.
NationPress
01/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Abubacker Siddique?
Abubacker Siddique is a notorious militant and bomb-maker who has been on the run for nearly 30 years. He is believed to be the mastermind behind several terrorist attacks in Tamil Nadu and surrounding regions.
Why is Siddique's arrest significant?
Siddique's arrest represents a major breakthrough in counter-terrorism efforts, providing insights into the operations of terror modules and potentially leading to further arrests.
What role did he play in terrorist activities?
Siddique has been implicated in multiple high-profile attacks, including bombings in Chennai and the failed assassination attempt on former Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani.
What are the implications of these arrests?
These arrests are expected to boost morale within law enforcement and help in unraveling remaining terror networks, which pose a threat to public safety.
How will the authorities proceed with Siddique and Ali?
Both will be presented before a judicial magistrate and remanded to custody for further interrogation to extract critical information regarding their operations.
