Kolkata Police Says 'Foiled' 26/11 Like Terror Plot, Suspect Linked To Mumbai Attacks Arrested

Candles placed for victims of the Mumbai attacks are seen in front of the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai November 30, 2008. (Reuters File Photo)

Kolkata Police on Monday said that it foiled a massive terror plot and apprehended a figure associated with the 2008 Mumbai attacks, who was planning something big akin to 26/11.

Rajaram Rege, known for his connection to 26/11 accused David Headley, was reportedly conducting surveillance of the residence and office of Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee. His presence in Kolkata raised alarms, prompting swift action by law enforcement, the police said.

Rege has been taken into custody in South Kolkata, where he had checked into a hotel. State authorities said they are intensifying their probe into Rege’s activities to uncover potential plans and identify possible accomplices. According to the police, Headley, as a prosecution witness in the Mumbai attack trial in a Chicago court, had said that he had visited Shiv Sena Bhavan in Dadar, central Mumbai and had met Rege.

After Rege’s arrest, Kolkata Police is looking into further details. “It is noted that Rajaram Rege has tried to do a recce of Abhishek Banerjee’s residence after coming from Mumbai and staying here. According to preliminary investigation, Rege has also approached some people,” according to the police.

This report comes after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that she and her nephew Abhishek ‘do not feel safe’. “…we are not safe, but we are also not afraid of the saffron party’s conspiracy. We urge everyone to be on guard against a conspiracy against TMC leaders and the people of West Bengal,” she said while addressing an election rally in Kumarganj in Balurghat Lok Sabha seat.

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