Delhi Blast: Terror Module Planned Attack on Coffee Chain
Terror module linked to Red Fort blast planned to attack coffee chain over Gaza.
Photo by Levi Meir Clancy
A terror module arrested in connection with the November 10, 2025, Red Fort car-borne suicide attack, which killed over a dozen people, had allegedly planned to bomb outlets of a global coffee chain. The accused wanted to target the coffee chain, whose founder is Jewish, to send a message against Israel's military action in Gaza.
The group, active for four years, aimed to revive Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH), an Indian offshoot of al-Qaeda, and establish Islamic law in the country. The AGUH was founded by Zakir Musa, who was killed in 2019, and its last known commander, Muzamil Ahmad Tantray, was killed in 2021.
Key Facts
Red Fort blast: Occurred on November 10, 2025
Terror module: Planned to attack coffee chain
AGuH: Indian offshoot of al-Qaeda
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper III: Internal Security - Linkage between terrorism and organized crime
GS Paper II: Polity - Role of NIA and other security agencies
GS Paper I: History - Evolution of religious extremism in India
Visual Insights
Location of Terrorist Activity and Planned Target
This map highlights the location of the Red Fort attack in Delhi and the general area of the coffee chain outlets that were targeted. It also shows the region of Kashmir where AGuH was active.
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More Information
Background
The concept of religiously motivated terrorism in India has historical roots stretching back to various periods of communal tension and political upheaval. While specific groups like Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH) are relatively recent, the underlying ideology of establishing religious dominance and challenging the secular fabric of the nation has manifested in different forms throughout history. The rise of global jihadist movements, particularly Al-Qaeda, in the late 20th century provided a framework and inspiration for some extremist elements within India.
The Kashmir conflict, with its complex mix of political, social, and religious grievances, has also served as a breeding ground for militancy and extremism. The targeting of specific communities or symbols associated with perceived enemies is a recurring tactic employed by such groups to incite fear and polarization.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been a focus on countering online radicalization and the use of social media platforms by terrorist groups to recruit and spread propaganda. The government has strengthened its counter-terrorism laws and agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), to investigate and prosecute terror-related cases more effectively. There's also been increased emphasis on deradicalization programs aimed at rehabilitating individuals who have been influenced by extremist ideologies.
The future likely involves greater collaboration between intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and community organizations to prevent radicalization and address the underlying factors that contribute to terrorism. Furthermore, the use of technology, such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, is expected to play a crucial role in identifying and disrupting terrorist networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key facts about the Delhi blast and the terror module's plans that are important for the Prelims exam?
The key facts include the date of the Red Fort blast (November 10, 2025), the target of the planned attack (a global coffee chain), and the name of the terror group (Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind or AGuH). Also, remember the names of key personalities like Zakir Musa and Muzamil Ahmad Tantray.
Exam Tip
Focus on dates, locations, and group names. Prelims often tests factual recall.
2. What is Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH) and what was its aim, as per the news report?
Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH) is described as an Indian offshoot of al-Qaeda. The terror module aimed to revive AGuH and establish Islamic law in the country.
3. Why is the terror module's plan to attack a coffee chain in news recently?
The terror module's plan to attack a coffee chain is in the news because they were arrested in connection with the Red Fort blast and their further plans were revealed during the investigation. The coffee chain was targeted due to its founder being Jewish, as a message against Israel's military action in Gaza.
4. What is the historical background of religiously motivated terrorism in India?
The concept has historical roots in periods of communal tension and political upheaval. The underlying ideology of establishing religious dominance and challenging the secular fabric of the nation has manifested in different forms throughout history, with groups like AGuH being a more recent example.
5. What are the recent developments in countering terrorism in India?
Recent developments include a focus on countering online radicalization, strengthening counter-terrorism laws, and empowering agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to investigate and prosecute terror-related cases effectively.
6. How does the Red Fort blast and the planned coffee chain attack impact common citizens?
Such incidents create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among common citizens. They can also lead to increased security measures and surveillance, which may impact personal freedoms.
7. What are the important dates to remember related to Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH)?
Remember the year Zakir Musa was killed (2019) and the year Muzamil Ahmad Tantray was killed (2021). These mark significant leadership changes within the group.
8. What reforms are needed to prevent such terror attacks in the future?
While the topic doesn't specify particular reforms, generally, strengthening intelligence gathering, improving coordination between security agencies, and addressing online radicalization are crucial.
9. What are the key personalities associated with the terror module and AGuH?
The key personalities mentioned are Zakir Musa, Muzamil Ahmad Tantray, and Muzamil Ahmad Ganaie. Zakir Musa was the founder of AGuH, and Muzamil Ahmad Tantray was its last known commander.
10. How does the government counter online radicalization?
As per the provided information, the government has been focusing on countering online radicalization and the use of social media platforms by terrorist groups to recruit and spread propaganda. Specific methods are not detailed in the provided text.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH): 1. It is an affiliate of al-Qaeda, primarily operating in the Kashmir region. 2. Zakir Musa, its founder, was designated as a global terrorist by the United Nations. 3. The group aims to establish a caliphate in the Indian subcontinent. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is CORRECT: AGuH is indeed an affiliate of al-Qaeda and primarily operates in the Kashmir region. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: Zakir Musa was NOT designated as a global terrorist by the United Nations. He was killed in an encounter in 2019. Statement 3 is CORRECT: AGuH's stated aim is to establish a caliphate, an Islamic state, in the Indian subcontinent, adhering to the global jihadist ideology.
2. Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in India? A) It is primarily responsible for investigating economic offenses and financial crimes. B) It investigates offenses affecting the sovereignty, security, and integrity of India. C) It functions as an intelligence gathering agency, similar to the Intelligence Bureau (IB). D) It primarily focuses on cybercrime and offenses related to information technology.
- A.A
- B.B
- C.C
- D.D
Show Answer
Answer: B
Option B is the correct answer. The NIA is India's primary counter-terrorism law enforcement agency. It investigates offenses affecting the sovereignty, security, and integrity of India, including terror attacks, hijacking, and offenses against atomic energy facilities. Other options are incorrect as they describe the functions of other agencies.
3. With reference to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), consider the following statements: 1. It empowers the central government to declare an association as unlawful. 2. It allows for detention without a charge sheet for a maximum period of 90 days. 3. Bail is easily granted to individuals accused under UAPA due to its stringent provisions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is CORRECT: The UAPA does empower the central government to declare an association as unlawful if it deems it necessary. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The UAPA allows for detention without a charge sheet for a maximum period of 90 days, which is longer than the standard period under the CrPC. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: Bail is NOT easily granted to individuals accused under UAPA due to its stringent provisions. The burden of proof often lies on the accused to prove their innocence.