Delhi Police have smashed a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror cell, exposing its Bangladesh-based masterminds chilling communications with the groups top boss, Hafiz Saeed—affectionately dubbed Chacha Ji by operatives. The raids nabbed eight suspects plotting attacks in the national capital, averting a potential disaster just weeks after heightened alerts.

At the heart of the operation is Shabir Ahmed Lone, an Indian-origin handler holed up in Bangladesh, who investigators say orchestrated recruitment, funding, and strike plans from afar. Intercepted chats reveal Lone reporting straight to Saeed and LeT commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, using sneaky code names like Chacha Ji for Saeed and Taya Ji for Lakhvi to dodge surveillance. The plot allegedly aimed to hit back at a recent mosque bombing in Pakistan, blending revenge motives with urban terror ambitions. This isnt Lones first brush—prior intel linked him to low-level LeT logistics, but this bust paints him as a linchpin in a sprawling network exploiting Bangladeshs underbelly as a safe haven.

LeT, infamous for the 2008 Mumbai carnage that claimed 166 lives, shows no signs of fading under Saeeds influence, even with UN blacklists and a $10 million bounty. The Delhi module leaned on local overground workers, encrypted apps, and cross-border cash trails—possibly with Pakistan ISI fingerprints—to push propaganda and scout targets. It echoes the 2025 Pahalgam ambush in Kashmir, which killed 26 and bore Saeeds signature. Experts warn this signals LeTs pivot to Indias heartland, capitalizing on digital shadows and regional instability for maximum impact.

Authorities are now dissecting phones, wallets, and wallets for deeper ties, including Bangladesh radicals and ISIS wannabes. The bust bolsters calls for tougher border intel-sharing with Dhaka and global heat on Saeeds Pakistan protectors. In a city of 30 million, it’s a stark reminder: vigilance against hybrid threats is non-negotiable. Police urge tips on suspicious activity via helplines, as probes widen to preempt copycats.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.