Al-Qaeda terrorist nabbed in Delhi

The Delhi police have arrested 27-year-old Shami-Ur-Rehman, a British national and a key Al-Qaeda's operative in India, who was planning to recruit youth for carrying out operations against the Myanmar army.

A police official said yesterday that Rehman was arrested from Vikas Marg in east Delhi; and 2000 dollars, a pistol and magazines were recovered from him. He has been taken on remand for interrogation.

He said Rehman was fighting for al Nusra front in Syria when he was sent to Bangladesh in 2014. He was arrested there on charges of terror financing and recruitment and remained in jail till April 2017.

On his release, he was sent to India to recruit Rohingyas. He had been given a voter card as a proof of identity in the name of Shumon Haq, a resident of Kishanganj in eastern Indian state of Bihar, the official said.

 Rehman was trying to set up a base in Delhi and in two north-eastern states and prepare the recruits to carry out strikes and fight against Myanmar army. He had come to Delhi to meet his contacts and obtain a list of vulnerable Rohingya refugees who could be brainwashed, said the official, adding he was in touch with 12 possible recruits who are being tracked.

 After his arrest, Rehman was produced before Additional Sessions Judge Sidharth Sharma who handed over his custody to the special cell of Delhi police after the probe agency said he was required for custodial interrogation to unearth the larger conspiracy. Haq will remain in police custody till September 30.