In a major breakthrough in India’s ongoing counterterrorism operations, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two key fugitives connected to a broader Islamic State (ISIS) sleeper cell operating out of Pune. The accused, apprehended at Mumbai International Airport after arriving from Jakarta, had been absconding for over two years in connection with a 2023 case involving the fabrication and testing of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Their arrest marks a significant step in the agency’s efforts to dismantle terror networks in India and thwart planned attacks aimed at destabilizing national security and communal harmony.
Arrest of Long-Time Fugitives Linked to ISIS Plot
The NIA confirmed the arrest of two individuals identified as Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh Diaperwala and Talha Khan, both of whom had been on the run for over two years in connection with a conspiracy to orchestrate terror attacks in India. Their apprehension came after they attempted to re-enter India via Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Terminal 2, returning from a prolonged stay in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Acting on a coordinated alert, the Bureau of Immigration intercepted the duo upon arrival. They were promptly taken into custody by NIA officials and placed under arrest, closing a chapter on an extended manhunt that involved international surveillance and intelligence sharing.
The Pune Sleeper Cell and the IED Conspiracy
The arrests stem from an ongoing case registered in 2023 that exposed a clandestine ISIS module operating in Pune. The case revealed a disturbing plan to fabricate IEDs with the intention of waging war against the Indian state, thereby advancing ISIS’s ideological aim of establishing a violent Islamic rule in the country.
According to investigators, Shaikh and Khan were part of a 10-member group operating a sleeper cell. The two men had rented a residence in the Kondhwa area of Pune, where they assembled explosive devices and conducted bomb-making workshops. A test detonation was reportedly carried out to validate the efficacy of the IEDs, marking a dangerous escalation in operational capability.
Wider Conspiracy: Ten Accused, One Common Objective
Prior to these recent arrests, the NIA had taken eight other individuals into custody who were allegedly part of the same terror network. All ten have been charged under stringent sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosive Substances Act, the Arms Act, and various provisions of the Indian Penal Code.
Those earlier arrested include Mohammed Imran Khan, Mohammed Yunus Saki, Abdul Kadir Pathan, Simab Nasiruddin Kazi, Zulfikar Ali Barodawala, Shamil Nachan, Akif Nachan, and Shahnawaz Alam. According to NIA reports, these operatives were involved in ideological indoctrination, logistical support, and the technical training of recruits for the assembly of explosive devices.
NIA’s Vigilance and the Broader Fight Against Terror
The National Investigation Agency has consistently maintained a proactive posture in combating the spread of radical extremism in India. The agency’s work in disrupting ISIS-linked modules has underscored its capacity for long-range investigations, cross-border intelligence coordination, and rapid operational deployment.
In this case, a reward of Rs. 3 lakh had been declared for information leading to the arrest of each fugitive. Their eventual capture not only reflects the effectiveness of domestic law enforcement and counterterrorism coordination but also sends a strong signal to extremist networks that India remains vigilant and unrelenting in its fight against terrorism.
A Cautionary Tale in the Age of Global Terrorism
This case adds to a growing list of incidents that highlight the evolving nature of terrorism, where sleeper cells lie dormant for extended periods before attempting to execute violent attacks. The Pune module is especially notable for its domestic roots and the technical sophistication shown in bomb fabrication—elements that point to a dangerous convergence of ideology and capability.
India’s security apparatus, including the NIA and local police forces, faces an ongoing challenge: to neutralize such threats before they materialize into mass-casualty events. The arrests of Shaikh and Khan serve as both a victory and a reminder that the war on terrorism, particularly those driven by transnational jihadist ideologies, requires constant vigilance and inter-agency collaboration.
Conclusion: National Security Holds Firm Amid Complex Threats
The successful capture of two long-absconding ISIS operatives is a testament to India’s robust counterterrorism strategy and institutional resolve. As the country continues to grapple with multifaceted threats to its security and social cohesion, agencies like the NIA stand at the front lines. The dismantling of the Pune sleeper cell is not merely a tactical success—it is a strategic win for national integrity and the rule of law.
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