Delhi Police and Jharkhand ATS arrest suspected terrorist in Ranchi with weapons and chemicals

Ranchi: Delhi police special cell in coordination with the Jharkhand’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested a suspected terrorist from a lodge in Ranchi, early on Wednesday. The accused was staying here for the last one-and-a-half years, police said.

He hails from Petarwar in Bokaro district.The accused identified as Ashraf Danish (23), an English graduate from a private college in Bokaro, was arrested from New Tabarak lodge under the Lower Bazar police station area. The team recovered several objectionable items and weapons from Danish’s possession. Though sources claimed that Danish was wanted in a case related to an ISIS-linked module, Jharkhand ATS said his association is not yet clear and it is being investigated.“The Delhi police special cell registered a case against Danish on Tuesday accusing him of promoting propaganda to create enmity between communities, disturbing religious harmony and possessing illegal weapons. In relation to the case, joint raids were conducted by Delhi police, Jharkhand ATS and Jharkhand police in Pathalkudwa and Angara in Ranchi, and Hussainabad in Palamu district, which resulted in Danish’s arrest,” said an official statement issued by Jharkhand ATS.

Several objectionable items, including one country-made gun and a live cartridge, four knives, electronic gadgets, beaker sets, masks, and Rs 10,500 cash have been recovered from the accused’s possession. This apart, chemicals such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sodium bicarbonate and copper sheet used in making weapons, have also been found in the room where he was staying.Jharkhand ATS SP Rishav Jha told TOI that the terrorist organisation, with whom Danish was linked has not been verified so far.“Delhi police have been investigating the matter. The medical examination of the accused was conducted in Ranchi and he appeared before a court here on Wednesday. Following that, Delhi police took him in custody for interrogation,” Jha added.When asked, whether the accused was planning to make any explosives using the chemicals, Jha said, “During preliminary interrogation he has denied his involvement in such activities and said someone told him to keep the chemicals in his room. However, his claims will be investigated thoroughly.”