J&K man arrested in Mathura for suspicious behaviour, probe on for terror links

NEW DELHI: Suspected terrorist Bilal Ahmad Wani who allegedly revealed a plan to attack the Akshardham Temple and disrupt the Republic Day parade on January 26 in the Delhi, is a resident of Jammu and Kashmir.

Wani was arrested in Mathura on Sunday on account of suspicious behaviour. Police have recovered Aadhaar cards and several documents from his possession. 

"Bilal Ahmad Wani arrested yesterday from Mathura junction for travelling without ticket and suspicious behaviour confirmed to be J&K resident. Name and addresses of 2 other J&K residents staying with him in a Delhi hotel also confirmed. Terror links not confirmed yet," Aseem Arun, IG, UP ATS said.

During his interrogation by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Wani had allegedly revealed about the terror-attack plan. The ATS said, "Wani disclosed that he along with two of his companions were planning to attack Akshardham temple and disrupt the January 26 parade."

The names and addresses of two other residents from Jammu and Kashmir staying with him in a hotel in Delhi have also been confirmed. The trio lodged into the Al Rashid Guest House on January 2 near Jama Masjid.

Uttar Pradesh ATS and Delhi Police reached the hotel and found that Wani's friends, identified as Mudsir Ahmed Wah and Mohammad Ashraf, vacated the room on January 6 night.

A high alert has been sent in search of the alleged absconding terrorists.

Security has also been beefed up in Delhi-NCR, ahead of the Republic Day celebrations.