The Delhi Police Special Cell apprehended Shahnawaz alias Shafi Uzzama, the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) most wanted terrorist. Shahnawaz, who had a reward of ₹3 lakhs on his head, was wanted in connection with the Pune ISIS case.
Shahnawaz, an engineer by profession and resident of Delhi had managed to escape from Pune police custody. He was briefly caught by Pune Police on the intervening night of July 17-18 when he was trying to steal a motorcycle in the Kothrud area of Pune.
He escaped from custody while he was being taken to his hideout for further questioning. Police later caught two of Shahnawaz’s associates – Imran and Yunus – in Pune and realised they are likely part of an Islamic terror outfit ISIS-inspired module. During the investigation, it came to light that a foreign-based handler had possibly put Shahnawaz in touch with Imran and Yunus in February, with instructions to execute a terror strike.
Delhi Police Special Cell has also detained some other people. Further investigation in the case is underway.
