The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Police unearth ISI plot

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Wednesday, Sep 13, 2006
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Police unearth ISI plot

Marri Ramu

Shakeel's target was lesser-known BJP leader

HYDERABAD: If you cannot hit the main leaders, aim at the second rung! This message from the bosses abroad is what reportedly prompted the recently-arrested Shakeel, an alleged agent of the ISI, to target a lesser-known leader of Bharatiya Janata Party Sampath Kumar Yadav, police sources said.

Having earlier busted several ISI-backed terrorist modules targeting prominent leaders, police were not surprised when Shakeel reportedly confessed to them that he was waiting for an opportunity to attack the Deputy Mayor Subhash Chanderji. But they were baffled when they learnt that the target list allegedly included Sampath Kumar Yadav, an old BJP leader from Madannapet area.

Not many people, including many in his party circles knew about Mr. Yadav till the news of him figuring in the ISI hit list was disclosed by police. He was active in party activities till 15 years ago but is presently maintaining a low profile by confining himself to local religious and spiritual programmes.

Police say that the ISI module involving Shakeel, plotted to foment communal trouble by killing important BJP leaders.

"Days before the Ganesh festival, the ISI tried in vain to attack Yadav. Even an attempt on his life would have sparked trouble in this communally sensitive city," a police officer seeking anonymity observed. Having stumbled upon plans of the ISI with the arrest of Shakeel on August 2, police stepped up security for all leaders vulnerable for attack.

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