Suspected al-Qaida member held in Bengaluru

New Delhi: A suspected member of the terrorist outfit al-Qaida has been arrested by Delhi Police in Begaluru, sources said here early on Friday.

The alleged member of the terror group, identified as Maulana Anzar Shah, was arrested on Wednesday night, Police sources said.

According to sources, he was plotting to carry out a series of terror strikes in the country. "The aim of the group was to attack some prominent leaders along with the crowded and tourist places."

Shah has been brought to Delhi on transit remand and would be produced at the Patiala House court here on Friday.

He was arrested by the anti-terrorist Special Cell wing of Delhi Police in its ongoing operation against al-Qaida in the Indian sub-continent (AQIS).

The Special Cell had in December last year arrested two AQIS operatives Zafar Masood and Abdul Rehman. Reportedly, Shah's name popped up during their interrogation.

Another terrorist in custody, Mohammed Asif, the recruitment and training head of AQIS, had also confessed to meeting Shah at a religious congregation in Bengaluru, sources said.

According to sources, Shah had reactivated himself to provide logistical support when contacted by the AQIS operatives.

The Special Cell also has the details of financial transaction between them and Shah, the source added.