The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) intercepted a potential terror threat in Muzaffarnagar, arresting two individuals and seizing four improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on Friday.
The apprehended suspects, identified as Javed and Majeed, were caught near Kali River Bridge, Charthawal Road Police Station, Kotwali Nagar, Muzaffarnagar district, by UP police.
According to an official statement from the STF, the duo was apprehended on the morning of February 16. Authorities revealed that the accused had previously manufactured similar bombs and distributed them during the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots.
Speaking to ANI, Uttar Pradesh Additional Director General of Police, Law & Order, and STF chief Amitabh Yash confirmed the arrests, stating that the recovered IEDs were capable of being triggered remotely or by a timer. The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation.
The investigation unveiled that the bombs were assembled by the culprits in Muzaffarnagar and were intended for involvement in a larger conspiracy. Javed disclosed that the orders for the explosives came from a woman named Imrana, prompting authorities to search for her.
Acting on a tip-off, police intercepted Javed near the Nyajupura bridge of the Kaali River, seizing the suspicious items hidden in a box of campus shoes. A bomb squad was promptly summoned, and the explosives were safely defused in the Nyajupura forest.
Further interrogation revealed that the IEDs contained gunpowder, iron pellets, cotton, and other materials sourced from various locations. Javed admitted to preparing the bombs on behalf of Imrana, who promised him a sum of Rs 60,000 for his services.
Meanwhile, Majeed, the accomplice, confessed to his involvement in making gunpowder and IEDs, having learned the techniques from the internet and his late uncle, who was skilled in fireworks manufacturing.
Authorities disclosed that Javed, with prior experience in creating time bombs, possessed knowledge of machinery due to his work on radio repairs. Both suspects are currently under interrogation by the Anti-Terrorism Squad and Intelligence Bureau personnel.
