Mumbai Police Step Up Security At Colaba's Chabad House
By A Draft Correspondent
Amid heightened concerns over potential security threats, Mumbai Police has taken decisive action to reinforce the safety of the Chabad House in Colaba, Mumbai.
This precautionary measure comes after alarming discoveries were made during the recent arrest of terror suspects by the Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Pune. The arrested individuals allegedly conducted surveillance of the Jewish Community Centre, making it a matter of utmost urgency to bolster defences.
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The significance of Chabad House as one of the targets during the 26/11 terror attack underscores the need for continuous vigilance. Since that tragic incident, stringent security arrangements with a round-the-clock police presence have existed. However, the recent discovery of two Google images of the centre in the possession of the accused necessitated an immediate response.
The ATS informed Mumbai Police about these findings, prompting the South Region of Mumbai Police to intensify security and monitoring at Chabad House. In addition, a security mock drill was conducted in the area to further fortify preparedness.
Chabad House holds immense cultural importance as a vibrant hub for the local Jewish community and a destination for tourists. Led by a dedicated Rabbi and his wife, the centre hosts diverse cultural programs, activities and religious services, providing a space for people to learn and observe Judaism.
The investigation that led to the arrest of the terror suspects initially began with an unrelated incident - the theft of a bike. However, further inquiries revealed that both accused individuals, Mohammed Imran Mohd Yunus Khan and Mohd Yunus Mohd Yakub Saki, were on the wanted list of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The Maharashtra ATS, investigating the Al Sufa terror module (also known as the Ratlam module) linked to ISIS, took custody of the suspects, who hailed from Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh.
Subsequently, the third accused in the Al Sufa module, Katil Dastgir Pathan alias Abdul Qadir, was arrested in Pune. Pathan is charged with providing shelter to Yusuf Khan and Yakub Saki. Furthermore, the fourth accused was apprehended in Ratnagiri as the investigation into the terror module continues.
ATS authorities believe that the terror suspects were plotting attacks in Rajasthan, which necessitates a heightened state of alertness in various regions. As the investigation progresses, security forces remain on high alert to thwart any potential threats and ensure the safety of citizens and cultural centres.
