Delhi Police Arrests Two Men in Kolkata Over Alleged Terror Network Links
In a significant development, Delhi Police's special cell has apprehended two young men from Kolkata's New Town area last week, citing alleged connections to terror activities. The arrests have shed light on a reclusive lifestyle maintained by the duo, who largely kept to themselves and occasionally vanished for days, according to local residents.
Reclusive Lifestyle in Hatiara Neighborhood
The two individuals, identified as Umar Faruk (31) and Robiul Islam (31), had rented a one-bedroom-hall-kitchen flat in the Hatiara neighborhood under the Eco Park police station jurisdiction approximately eight months ago. Neighbors describe them as extremely private, venturing out only occasionally for essential shopping at a local grocery store and nearby market.
"They never really mingled much with anyone in the community," revealed a neighbor who requested anonymity. "Their rent has been pending for the past two months, which raised some concerns among local residents."
Investigation Trail from Delhi to Kolkata
Investigators stated that the arrests followed an extensive trail that originated in Delhi earlier this month. Through meticulous examination of digital footprints and hotel records, authorities traced the suspects to Kolkata. The investigation gained momentum after CCTV footage from a Delhi hotel, where the duo briefly stayed, provided crucial evidence.
According to police officials, Faruk and Islam traveled from Kolkata to Delhi via Patna on February 6. During their stay in the national capital, they allegedly pasted pro-Pakistan and pro-terror posters at ten different locations before returning to Kolkata on February 8.
"The suspects were clearly captured on CCTV footage," explained a Bidhannagar police officer. "Once we identified and tracked their phone numbers to Kolkata, we established coordination with local authorities and successfully apprehended them in New Town."
Background of the Accused Individuals
While Umar Faruk hails from Gopalnagar village in Malda district, Robiul Islam is suspected to be a Bangladeshi national from Thakurgaon district. Investigators believe both individuals were part of what they describe as a wider network with alleged links to the banned terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Shockwaves in Malda Village
Faruk's arrest has sent shockwaves through his native village in Malda district, where family members and neighbors expressed utter disbelief at the accusations leveled against him. Faruk married Semi Khatun just one year ago and had visited his family home two months back, promising to return during the upcoming Ramzan period.
"My son is completely innocent and very simple-minded," insisted Rohima Biwi, Faruk's mother. "He believes everyone easily, which might be why he has landed in this trouble. He has never traveled beyond Kolkata in his life."
Faruk's father, Akhtar Hussain, who works as a migrant laborer, defended his son vehemently. "Faruk was merely a laborer like myself. He is being framed in this case and cannot possibly cause harm to anyone," Hussain asserted.
Community Reactions and Disbelief
Neighbors in Gopalnagar village expressed similar sentiments, stating they had never noticed anything unusual in Faruk's behavior. "He had no associations outside our village," one neighbor commented. "We never saw him with any objectionable literature or materials that would raise suspicion."
Manirul Sk, a gram panchayat member, echoed the community's astonishment. "I have known Faruk for many years," he stated. "Like hundreds of local youth, he went to Kolkata to earn a living. We have absolutely no idea who he might have come in contact with during his time there."
The case continues to develop as investigators delve deeper into the alleged network and connections, while the community in both Kolkata and Malda grapples with the unexpected revelations about individuals they thought they knew well.
