Founder of Radical Group Apprehended in Jaipur Blast Conspiracy in Ratlam

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Firoz, a founding member of Alsufa, was arrested after a long manhunt.
- The NIA had placed a bounty on his capture, showcasing the case's importance.
- Police acted on critical intelligence leading to his sister's residence.
- Firoz's arrest is vital in disrupting terrorist activities linked to Alsufa.
- Investigations are ongoing to explore all angles of the case.
Bhopal, April 2 (NationPress) The Madhya Pradesh Police in Ratlam made a notable advancement by capturing Firoz, also known as Sabji, a wanted fugitive linked to a plot involving serial explosions designed to instill fear and chaos in the Rajasthan capital of Jaipur.
Firoz, recognized as a founding member of the radical group Alsufa, served as the Treasurer of the organization.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had placed a reward of Rs 5 lakh for information leading to his capture, highlighting the urgency of his apprehension.
Responding to crucial intelligence from a source, two specialized teams led by the Superintendent of Police were promptly dispatched, according to police reports.
After comprehensive briefings concerning the potential risks of the operation, officers proceeded to Anand Colony in Ratlam.
The residence of Firoz’s sister, Rehana, was pinpointed as the target site. To ensure operational success, a containment team secured the area, while a tactical team conducted a thorough search of the home.
Despite his desperate attempts to escape through resistance and flight, Firoz was ultimately captured following extensive efforts by the officers, as confirmed by police.
The suspect has been detained, and a new case has been filed at the Station Road Police Station.
Investigations are currently ongoing to explore all aspects of the case meticulously.
The chain of events leading to this arrest began on March 30, 2022, when the Rajasthan Police at Nimbahera intercepted a suspicious vehicle during regular checks.
Upon inspection, three individuals from Ratlam — Zuber Pathan, Saifullah (also known as Saif Khan), and Altamash — were found with explosives and bomb-making components, including timers, cells, wires, and other materials.
Further interrogation revealed their ties to Alsufa, an extremist group, and their involvement in a scheme to execute serial blasts in Jaipur.
The conspirators identified eight additional members, including Sufa, Amin Fawda, Amin Haji, Mazhar (alias Chhotu), Imran Pathan, Yunus Saki, Imran Matka, Aqib from Maharashtra, and Firoz (alias Sabji), as co-conspirators in their malicious plot.
The Nimbahera Police documented the case as Crime Number 150/22, invoking the Explosive Substances Act (Sections 4, 5, and 6) along with the UAPA (Sections 13, 15, 16, 18, and 20).
Due to its interstate ramifications, the NIA took charge of the case, designating it as Case Number 18/2022/NIA/DLI.
Throughout the investigation, ten members of the group were captured thanks to the collaborative efforts of the NIA and Rajasthan Police.
However, Firoz, a pivotal figure and one of the group’s founders, had evaded capture, making his arrest a top priority for law enforcement.
The police in Ratlam maintained surveillance on both Firoz and the organization, officials reported.
Critical intelligence from an informer indicated Firoz's presence in Ratlam, with plans to commit a serious crime.
In a swift operation, the police pinpointed Rehana’s residence in Anand Colony as the fugitive’s hideout.
Executing their plan with precision, the police teams converged on the residence. The operation concluded with the successful capture of Firoz, marking a significant step in dismantling the Alsufa network and delivering justice against acts of terror.
Ongoing investigations are underway, stated the police. Sufa, according to police reports, was established a few years ago and subsequently evolved into Alsufa - a terrorist organization.