'Calculated escape strategy': Terrorist nabbed in Bengal was using river routes to reach Pakistan via Bangladesh

NEW DELHI: A senior member of the banned terrorist group Tehreek-e-Mujahideen (TuM) identified as Javed Munshi, wanted for his alleged involvement in a 2011 cleric's murder in Jammu and Kashmir, was planning to use river routes to escape to Bangladesh and then proceed to Pakistan, which he viewed as a safe haven.
“Munshi had multiple plans to reach Bangladesh, including traveling by road to Dhamakhali and then navigating river routes through the Sunderbans. Another potential route involved taking the Raimangal River to Hemnagar in Hingalganj, or reaching Khulna via Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district,” a senior STF officer said, as quoted by PTI.
Munshi was arrested by the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) in a joint operation with the Jammu and Kashmir Police. The arrest took place near Canning in South 24 Parganas district, approximately 60 km from Kolkata, late Saturday night.
The suspect was acting under the instructions of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, according to the STF. The 58-year-old, described as an IED expert with extensive training in Pakistan, had been residing in the area disguised as a shawl seller for two days before he was arrested.
“This individual appears to have been deeply involved in jihadist activities and was likely attempting to recruit people in the area,” the officer added. The STF is currently analyzing the call records from the mobile phones to identify potential collaborators and uncover more details about Munshi’s plans and movements.
According to officials, Munshi’s notes, which are now being decoded, could provide valuable insights into his network and future plans.
“Bangladesh was a strategic choice for Munshi as it could serve as a transit point to Pakistan. His journey from Kashmir to Bengal was part of a carefully calculated escape strategy,” the officer elaborated.
Investigators disclosed that Munshi was the second-in-command of the TuM and had ties to other terror outfits operating in the Kashmir Valley, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Seized during the arrest were an Aadhaar card listing a Srinagar address, Rs 50,000 in cash, and two mobile phones. Officials believe Munshi had visited Bangladesh several times in the past and maintained close contact with senior LeT members.