In a recent development that has caught the attention of Indian security agencies, Farhatullah Ghori, a figure infamous for his involvement in various terror activities, has resurfaced. Ghori, who has long been pursued by Indian authorities due to his links to multiple terror incidents, was notably implicated in the 2002 attack on the Akshardham temple located in Gujarat's Gandhi Nagar. His latest appearance in a video, orchestrated by ISI, sees him issuing a call for war against India, further highlighting the ongoing threat he poses.

The release of this video by ISI, showcasing Ghori's call for armed conflict, underscores his role as the mastermind behind several terrorist operations, including the significant 2002 assault. This action has placed him squarely in the crosshairs of Indian investigative agencies, following the discovery of his involvement through detailed probes into these attacks.

Adding to concerns, the Delhi Police's special cell disclosed last year that an Islamic State-inspired group, which had been neutralized, was found to be under Ghori's leadership. Posing as an IS recruiter, Ghori's hand in guiding such modules speaks to the broader challenges faced by security forces in addressing the landscape of terror threats.

After being seemingly off the radar, Farhatullah Ghori, also known by the aliases Abu Sufian and Sardar, reemerged in 2019. He was detected engaging on Telegram and similar encrypted messaging platforms, from where he disseminated a series of videos aimed at indoctrinating young individuals. Despite his efforts to remain concealed from public view, these activities led security agencies to intensify their pursuit. Originating from Hyderabad, Ghori was officially tagged as an individual terrorist by the Indian Home Ministry in 2020. However, he persisted in his endeavors from Lahore, operating discreetly without making any direct appearances. His ability to stay invisible was so effective that even the US and Interpol have been unable to obtain a photograph of him.

The resurgence of Ghori, particularly through his video appearances, has raised suspicions among intelligence sources. They theorize that this could be part of a larger ISI strategy designed to destabilize communal peace during the period leading up to the Lok Sabha elections. An intelligence officer pointed out, "Most of the high-profile terrorists are under watch and Pakistan has been playing safe with the FATF sword hanging over them. With Ghori coming to the fore now, Pakistan could escape responsibility claiming that he was an Indian on the run and as usual deny his presence on their soil." This comment sheds light on the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, where the actions of individuals like Ghori are not just seen through the lens of terrorism but also in the context of international relations and the delicate balance of accountability between nations.

Over the recent two years, efforts to curb the influence of Farhatullah Ghori have been intensified by Indian intelligence agencies, with particular focus on shutting down Facebook pages and Telegram channels that were being utilized for his activities. In parallel, the Telangana counter-intelligence unit escalated its efforts to track down the elusive figure, known for his preaching and radical activities. The determination to apprehend Ghori was driven by findings that he and his associates were not only indoctrinating youths under the guise of Islamic State ideologies but were also creating platforms associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and al-Qaida to draw in young individuals.

An important aspect of Ghori's operations, as revealed by sources, was his role in financing terror-related activities. "He also acts as a terror financier and has been using a network of accounts on Facebook, Telegram and YouTube to call on Muslim youths in India to revolt against the country. Those selected for the test tasks are even wired small amounts through hawala," an anti-terrorism officer disclosed. This method of operation highlights a sophisticated approach to radicalization, leveraging social media and encrypted messaging services not only for propaganda dissemination but also for financial transactions aimed at supporting terror activities. The use of hawala, a traditional system of transferring money informally and without the direct movement of funds, further complicates tracking and intercepting these transactions, underscoring the challenges faced by law enforcement in countering such threats.

Who is Farhatullah Ghori

• Farhatullah Ghori, also known as Abu Sufiyan and Sardar, originates from Hyderabad in Telangana. He has been implicated in several terrorist activities across India.

• Ghori reappeared in 2019 after a period of inactivity, utilizing Telegram and other secure messaging apps. He aimed to influence young people through these platforms, seeking to recruit them into terrorist organizations by spreading radical content.

• The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs officially labeled Ghori as a "terrorist" in 2020 due to his ongoing involvement in radicalization efforts online. Despite being a target for Indian authorities, he has managed to continue his activities from Lahore, Pakistan, under the ISI's protection. Notably, neither the US nor Interpol has succeeded in capturing his image.

• In a significant operation in 2023, Delhi Police dismantled an Islamic State (IS)-inspired network led by Ghori. This network was focused on recruiting young men into its ranks.

• Indian intelligence suspects Ghori's recent public call to arms against India might be an attempt by the ISI to stir up communal unrest within the country, especially with the Lok Sabha elections on the horizon.

• The Times of India reports that Indian security agencies have successfully shut down hundreds of Facebook pages and Telegram channels operated by Ghori, aiming to curb his influence.

• Following the release of Ghori's video, the Telangana counter-intelligence unit ramped up its efforts to capture him. Ghori's criminal activities extend beyond recruitment for terror groups; he has also been identified as a terror financier, laundering money through a complex network including hawala transactions to support his operations.

This summary elaborates on Ghori's background, activities, and the concerted efforts by Indian and international agencies to counteract his influence and operations, presented in a straightforward manner for clarity.