With the arrest of two persons who were planning to set fire to ONGC oil tankers, Thakkar Mall and Mangaldas Market, the
horror of sleeper modules of terrorist outfits in Mumbai has resurfaced.
According to the police, neither Riyaz nor Abdul have criminal backgrounds. “Investigations have revealed that they were supposed to recruit a few more people and we believe there were several others who were supposed to go with them to
Pakistan,” said ATS chief KP Raghuvanshi.
The arrest brings to light the fact that sleeper cells of terrorist organisations are still very much in existence in the city. “We had seen during the July 11 serial train blasts that there was a group of sleeper cells with members who had received training in Pakistan and who later executed the train blasts,” said an ATS officer requesting anonymity.
The officer also emphasised that it was extremely difficult to locate or trace sleeper cells before they became active. “It is very difficult to arrest members of a sleeper cell, as they disguise themselves either as doctors, engineers, lawyers or hawkers. Unless they perform some activity, members of such sleeper cells go unnoticed,” the officer said.
Tight security in city:
Meanwhile, the police have strengthened security at railway stations, airports and public places across the city following the arrest by the state ATS of two suspected terrorists. “We have also intensified nakabandi at various important junctions and officers have been asked to do heavy frisking,” said a senior police officer from the Western suburbs.
The police have also beefed up security at the ONGC office in Bandra and also near Mangaldas Market, which is located close to LT Marg police station. “We have also stationed policemen near malls and multiplexes to ensure those who visit these places are safe,” said the officer.
