Calls to Pakistan, Plan to Target Thackeray’s Matoshree: How Mumbai Police Cracked the IC814 Hijacking Case

The 1999 IC814 hijacking case remains one of the most nerve-wracking episodes in India’s history. The five-day ordeal that began with the hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane from Kathmandu to Kandahar culminated in a fraught negotiation with the Taliban and the release of three dreaded terrorists. However, what is often less spoken about is the role of the Mumbai Police in cracking the case and uncovering deeper layers of terror networks that posed a threat to India's security. One such plan was the terrifying possibility of a target on Uddhav Thackeray's residence, Matoshree. Here’s how the case unfolded. The IC814 Hijacking: A Recap On December 24, 1999, Indian Airlines Flight IC814, en route from Kathmandu to New Delhi, was hijacked by five armed terrorists. The plane, with 176 passengers and crew on board, was first taken to Amritsar, then Lahore, and finally landed in Kandahar, Afghanistan, which was under Taliban control. The hijackers demanded the release of three dreaded terrorists held by India: Maulana Masood Azhar, Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar. While the Indian government’s main focus was on saving the hostages through negotiations, intelligence agencies, including the Mumbai Police, were simultaneously trying to unearth the wider conspiracy behind the hijacking. Initial Leads: Intercepted Calls to Pakistan The Mumbai Police played a critical role by tracing calls made by some suspicious individuals to Pakistan. These individuals were already under the police radar for their involvement in anti-national activities. Following the hijacking, the intensity of these calls increased. What initially seemed like routine communication soon revealed its significance – some of these calls connected to terror modules that had links with the IC814 hijackers. In coordination with the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and other national security agencies, Mumbai Police launched a covert surveillance operation. Their findings hinted at more than just a hijacking plot – it was part of a larger strategy to destabilize India. The Matoshree Connection: A Chilling Plan During their investigation, Mumbai Police unearthed information that sent shockwaves through the security apparatus. Along with the hijacking plot, there was a secondary plan – to attack the residence of Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray, Matoshree, in Mumbai. This revelation underscored how terrorists were expanding their network to include high-profile political figures as potential targets. Mumbai Police's relentless efforts uncovered how terrorists wanted to strike at the heart of Maharashtra’s political landscape, as they believed an attack on Matoshree would create widespread panic and unrest. This information was promptly relayed to security agencies, and Matoshree was fortified with extra security to counter any possible attack. How Mumbai Police Cracked the Case The breakthrough came when one of the men associated with the hijackers, who was already on the radar, was apprehended in Mumbai. His interrogation led the police to a network of sleeper cells that had been working quietly to support terror activities in India. Mumbai Police, known for their agility and sharp investigative skills, worked meticulously to join the dots between these local cells and their handlers across the border. In addition to cracking open the network, the police also found documents, communication records, and evidence of financial transactions with Pakistan-based terror organizations. This intelligence was shared with central agencies, helping piece together the full scope of the conspiracy. The Broader Implications The IC814 hijacking was not just a one-off event but part of a larger terror strategy against India. Mumbai Police’s crucial role in exposing a potential attack on Matoshree demonstrated the extent to which terror outfits were willing to go to create chaos. The information gathered from these investigations helped security agencies in India fine-tune their counter-terrorism strategies and enhance cooperation between state and national-level agencies. Conclusion The IC814 hijacking case was a turning point in India's fight against terrorism, revealing vulnerabilities but also highlighting the capabilities of law enforcement. Mumbai Police's diligent work in cracking the case, intercepting calls, and uncovering a broader terror plot, including the potential attack on Matoshree, is a testament to their expertise in handling complex cases. Though the IC814 hijacking ended in the release of terrorists, the investigation that followed showed that India's security forces were equipped to combat future threats. It remains a grim reminder of the challenges the nation faces, but also of the resolve of the men and women in uniform who stand guard against those challenges. This blog dives into the less-publicized role of the Mumbai Police in the IC814 hijacking case and sheds light on their successful efforts to prevent further attacks.