Indian intelligence agencies are on heightened alert following the emergence of a video featuring terrorist Farhatullah Ghori, who is urging sleeper cells across India to carry out attacks on the country’s railway network. Farhatullah Ghori, a fugitive jihadist currently residing in Pakistan, has been linked to several high-profile attacks, including the recent blast at Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe. The video, released on Telegram approximately three weeks ago, has prompted increased security measures and investigations.
Farhatullah Ghori, who has evaded capture by Indian authorities for years, is seen in the video inciting sleeper cells to target India’s railway system using various bomb-making methods, including pressure cookers. The video also reveals Farhatullah Ghori’s broader plans to attack petroleum pipelines and Hindu leaders, asserting that the Indian government’s efforts to weaken sleeper cells through agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) will be met with renewed attacks. Farhatullah Ghori declares in the video, “But we will return and shake the government,” underscoring his intent to continue his violent campaign.
The Rameshwaram Cafe blast on March 1 resulted in injuries to at least ten people. The National Intelligence Agency (NIA), which assumed responsibility for the investigation on March 3, arrested two key suspects in the case on April 12. Abdul Matheen Ahmed Taahaa, identified as the mastermind, and Mussavir Hussain Shazib, who allegedly planted the improvised explosive device (IED) at the cafe, were apprehended from a lodge near Kolkata under assumed identities. Both are reportedly associated with an Islamic State (IS) module based in Shivamogga, Karnataka. Shariq, another member of this module, had previously carried out a blast in Mangaluru in November 2022.
Farhatullah Ghori, also known by aliases including Abu Sufiyan, Sardar Sahab, and Faru, has a long history of involvement in terrorist activities. He is linked to the 2002 Akshardham Temple attack in Gujarat, which killed over 30 people, and the 2005 suicide attack on the Task Force office in Hyderabad. More recently, Delhi Police uncovered Farhatullah Ghori’s role in online jihadist recruitment after the arrest of three prominent terrorists. Farhatullah Ghori’s network, including his son-in-law Shahid Faisal, has been instrumental in orchestrating attacks and recruiting operatives in South India.
The revelations have intensified concerns about the capability and reach of terrorist networks within India and highlight the ongoing threat posed by international jihadist organizations. Authorities continue to strengthen security measures to preempt further attacks and disrupt the operations of these extremist networks.
