Indian intelligence agencies are on heightened alert following the discovery of a chilling video in which notorious terrorist Farhatullah Ghori, who has long been a significant threat to national security, called upon sleeper cells in India to launch coordinated attacks on the country’s railway infrastructure, petroleum pipelines, and prominent Hindu leaders. The video, which was reportedly released on Telegram a few weeks ago, has triggered alarm within security circles due to the specificity of the targets and the history of Ghori’s involvement in previous attacks on Indian soil.
Ghori, who is currently believed to be based in Pakistan and operates under the protection of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has been on the radar of Indian security agencies for years. His name is associated with some of the most devastating terror attacks in India’s recent history, including the 2002 Akshardham Temple attack in Gujarat, which resulted in over 30 deaths and left 80 others injured. He also played a key role in orchestrating the 2005 suicide bombing on the Hyderabad Task Force office, which further solidified his reputation as a dangerous and elusive figure.
In the newly surfaced video, Ghori is seen instructing his operatives on various methods to disrupt the Indian railway network, emphasizing the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) concealed in pressure cookers. His call for attacks extends beyond the railways, as he also advocates for sabotage of India’s vital petroleum pipelines, a move that could cause widespread chaos and economic disruption. Additionally, Ghori specifically targets Hindu leaders, urging sleeper cells to carry out assassinations as part of a broader strategy to incite communal violence and destabilize the country.
The video’s release comes in the wake of the March 1, 2024, blast at Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe, an attack that left ten people injured and has since been linked to Ghori’s network. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is leading the investigation into the blast, has made significant progress by arresting Abdul Matheen Ahmed Taahaa and Mussavir Hussain Shazib, two key operatives of an Islamic State (IS) module based in Karnataka. These arrests have underscored the depth and reach of Ghori’s influence within India, particularly in the southern states, where he and his son-in-law Shahid Faisal have established a strong network of sleeper cells.
Sources within the intelligence community have revealed that Ghori's network is sophisticated and well-coordinated, with connections to various jihadist groups and a direct line of support from the ISI. The revelation of his plans to target critical infrastructure and key figures in India has prompted security agencies to enhance their monitoring efforts, particularly in the transportation and energy sectors, which are now seen as high-risk areas. Authorities are also focusing on identifying and neutralizing sleeper cells that could be activated by Ghori’s call to action.
This latest development has added a new layer of urgency to India’s counter-terrorism efforts. The government is expected to increase security measures across the country, particularly in sensitive areas and during major public events. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and other law enforcement agencies are likely to implement additional safeguards to prevent any potential attacks on the railway network, while the petroleum sector is also set to bolster its security protocols in response to the threats outlined in Ghori’s video.
Furthermore, the video has reignited concerns about the influence of external actors like the ISI in fostering terrorism within India. Ghori’s continued operations from Pakistan and his ability to communicate with and direct sleeper cells within India highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Indian security agencies in addressing cross-border terrorism. The government is expected to raise this issue in international forums, calling for greater cooperation in combating terrorism and pressuring Pakistan to take action against figures like Ghori who use its territory as a safe haven for their activities.
As the investigation into the Rameshwaram Cafe blast continues, and as authorities work to thwart any future attacks, the situation remains tense. The emergence of Ghori’s video is a stark reminder of the persistent and evolving threat of terrorism in India, and the need for constant vigilance and proactive measures to protect the nation and its citizens from those who seek to do harm.
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