Who is the Haryana Preacher Linked to a Major Terror Plot in Jammu and Kashmir?

Haryana Preacher Detained in Terror Investigation

In a significant development, Jammu and Kashmir police have detained a preacher from Haryana, identified as Maulvi Ishtiyaq, who is suspected of facilitating the storage of explosives in his rented residence near Al Falah University in Faridabad. This arrest occurred early Wednesday, according to police officials.

Ishtiyaq, hailing from Mewat, was known for delivering religious sermons at the university, which has become a focal point in an interstate terror investigation linked to the deadly Red Fort blast that claimed 12 lives.

Authorities reported the recovery of over 2,500 kg of hazardous materials, including ammonium nitrate, potassium chlorate, and sulfur, from his residence.

The explosives were allegedly stored by Dr. Muzammil Ganaie, also known as Musaib, and Dr. Umar Nabi, who was behind the wheel of the vehicle that detonated outside the Red Fort on Monday evening.

In total, police discovered 2,900 kg of explosive substances, with 360 kg of flammable materials suspected to be ammonium nitrate, along with firearms and ammunition, at Ganaie's rented property in Faridabad.

Ishtiyaq's detention followed a series of coordinated raids conducted by Jammu and Kashmir police in collaboration with their Haryana counterparts.

He is expected to face arrest, marking him as the ninth individual apprehended in connection with this case. The police have been actively pursuing leads since November 10, aiming to dismantle a 'white-collar' terror network associated with the banned groups Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.

Authorities believe they have successfully disrupted the malicious plans of these terror organizations, with Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind being recognized as an Indian offshoot of ISIS.

Dr. Ganaie, a faculty member at Al Falah University, was previously arrested after being identified as a wanted suspect for allegedly posting pro-JeM materials in Srinagar.

This incident initiated a broader investigation, leading to the discovery of an interstate terror network.

Investigators have indicated that the probe reveals a terror ecosystem involving radicalized professionals and students who maintain contact with foreign operatives based in Pakistan and other nations.

These individuals, masquerading as social and charitable activists, are believed to have been involved in identifying potential recruits for radicalization, fundraising, logistics, and the procurement of weapons and materials for creating IEDs.

Among the eight individuals arrested so far, seven are from Kashmir, including Arif Nisar Dar alias Sahil, Yasir-ul-Ashraf, and Maqsood Ahmad Dar alias Shahid from Nowgam in Srinagar; Maulvi Irfan Ahmad from Shopian; Zameer Ahmad Ahanger alias Mutlasha from Ganderbal; Dr. Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie alias Musaib from Pulwama; and Dr. Adeel from Kulgam. Dr. Shaheen Sayeed is from Lucknow.