Uttarakhand STF Nabs Lone Wolf Terror Module Operative in Dehradun
In a significant security operation, the Special Task Force (STF) of Uttarakhand police has apprehended a 29-year-old garage worker for allegedly operating a "lone wolf module" of the terror outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan (TTH). The arrest comes just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Dehradun on April 14, highlighting heightened security concerns in the region.
Details of the Arrest and Allegations
SSP (STF) Ajai Singh disclosed on Friday that the accused, identified as Vikrant Kashyap, a resident of Dehradun's Premnagar area, was taken into custody from his residence on Thursday night after a two-month surveillance operation. Kashyap is accused of sharing geotagged locations of critical military installations, including the Indian Military Academy, with Pakistan-based handlers via his mobile phone.
An FIR has been registered against Kashyap under BNS 152 (acts endangering sovereignty and integrity of India), Section 3 of the Official Secrets Act (spying and acts prejudicial to India's interests), and the Arms Act. Police recovered sensitive information from his device, indicating communication with Karachi-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and an aide named Rana.
Motivation and Connections
According to IG (STF) Nilesh Anand Bharne, Kashyap initially connected with Bhatti over social media, drawn by Bhatti's claims of seeking revenge against the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, believed to be behind the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala. Kashyap, a fan of Moosewala, reportedly wanted to avenge the singer's death, which led to his deeper involvement with the terror network.
Bharne further revealed that Kashyap was lured with promises of migration to Dubai and was given initial tasks, such as painting 'TTH' initials on Dehradun buildings to spread fear. A 0.32 bore Italy-made pistol with seven live cartridges was recovered from him, which he claimed to have received from Bhatti's aide in Delhi.
Planned Attacks and Interrogation
DSP STF RB Chamola, who led the operation, stated that Kashyap was allegedly tasked with attacking a senior Supreme Court lawyer and offices of right-wing organizations in Delhi. Other security agencies are currently interrogating him to gather further intelligence and assess the extent of the threat.
Notably, the terror outfit TTH first gained attention earlier this year after claiming responsibility for the killing of two Punjab police officers in Gurdaspur in February. This arrest underscores ongoing efforts to dismantle such networks and prevent potential security breaches, especially ahead of high-profile events like the Prime Minister's visit.
