Fugitive Terrorist Firoz Khan Arrested in Ratlam, MP

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Fugitive Terrorist Firoz Khan Arrested in Ratlam, MP

Synopsis

In a significant breakthrough, police in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, have arrested Firoz Khan, a fugitive terrorist linked to the Jaipur serial blast conspiracy. This arrest follows a substantial reward announcement by the NIA and is a critical move against terrorist sleeper cells.

Key Takeaways

  • Firoz Khan arrested in Ratlam, MP.
  • Wanted for Jaipur serial blast conspiracy.
  • Rs 5 lakh reward announced by NIA.
  • Connection to sleeper cell network of Sufa.
  • Ongoing investigations to uncover more threats.

Jaipur/Bhopal, April 2 (NationPress) In a significant development, law enforcement officials in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam have apprehended Firoz Khan, a fugitive terrorist sought in connection with the Jaipur serial blast conspiracy, as stated by authorities.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had previously announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for any information leading to his arrest.

The capture occurred on the night of April 1 after intelligence reports suggested that Firoz Khan had returned home to observe Eid. A police team, under the leadership of ASP Rakesh Khaka, successfully detained him and promptly notified the NIA.

The conspiracy regarding the Jaipur serial blasts came to light on March 30, 2022, when Rajasthan Police took into custody three terrorists -- Fakir Mohammed, Altamas Khan, and Sarfuddin alias Sefulla -- in Nimbahera. They were discovered transporting 12 kg of RDX, allegedly intended for a series of bombings in Jaipur.

Upon their arrest, the trio attempted to bribe the police with substantial amounts of money to gain their freedom. During questioning, they disclosed the identities of 11 other conspirators, including Firoz Khan.

This group is associated with the sleeper cell network of the banned terrorist organization Sufa. The NIA has been rigorously monitoring this entity, executing multiple raids in Ratlam and other areas.

On July 19, 2023, the agency detained two significant suspects, Imran Khan and Mohammad Yunus Saki, from the Kunjro Ka Vas area in Pune. Imran Khan is believed to be the mastermind behind the Jaipur blast plot. Other operatives, such as Amin Khan alias Amin Phawda, Mohammad Amin Patel, and Mazhar Khan, were previously captured in joint operations involving police and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

The apprehension of Firoz Khan is regarded as a vital step in the ongoing effort to dismantle terrorist sleeper cells linked to the Sufa network. Investigations are still underway to reveal additional connections and potential threats.