Key operator, arms supplier of UP terror module nabbed

GAUS MOHAMMED HAD VISITED THE RENTED HOUSE IN KAKORI’S HAJI COLONY IN LUCKNOW WHERE SAIFULLAH WAS GUNNED DOWN

Two more members of the so-called self-radicalised Islamic State terror module, including a retired Indian Air Force personnel (IAF) Gaus Mohammed Khan, were arrested in a joint operation of the Uttar Pradesh Anti-terror Squad (ATS) and the Special Task Force (STF) on Thursday.

Gaus Mohammed has been termed the key operator of the terror module and was held from Rae Bareli, while the other suspect, Azhar, who had escaped when ATS raided his house on Tuesday, was arrested from Kanpur. He is said to be the group’s arms supplier.

Inspector general of police of ATS Asim Arun said Gaus Mohammed remained was an airman with IAF for around 15 years and set up a business of leather goods in Kanpur after taking voluntary retirement in 1993.

His house is near the house of Saifullah Khan, who was killed Wednesday.

Arun said Gaus Mohammed used to motivate young and educated Muslim youths to join his radical activities.

He said the same module i allegedly involved in the blast in a Bhopal-ujjain passenger train near Kalapipal, about 80km west of Bhopal, on Tuesday.

Another ATS official said th retired IAF personnel used t radicalise the youths coming to a mosque near his house by making them read IS literatur in internet and also gave them printed copies.

The source said Gau Mohammed had even visited th rented house in Kakori’s Haj colony in Lucknow where Sai fullah was gunned down in a 13-hours long encounter with ATS commandos on Wednesday wee hours. He said Gau Mohammed visited the house on Monday.