Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested nine suspected terrorists allegedly connected to a Pakistan-based network involving the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and elements of the Mumbai underworld, foiling planned attacks on key installations and security personnel across Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities.
Arms and Grenades Recovered
During the operation, investigators recovered Glock pistols, 25 cartridges, and four grenades manufactured at the Pakistan Ordnance Factory from the arrested individuals. The grenades were subsequently destroyed with the assistance of the National Security Guard (NSG) at an isolated location in Mehrauli.
ISI-Linked Shahzad Bhatti Network Behind the Plot
According to Delhi Police Special Cell officer Anil Shukla, the accused were allegedly in contact with the ISI through the Shahzad Bhatti network and were receiving instructions regarding potential targets. The group had been tasked with carrying out targeted attacks to create panic and disrupt security across major Indian cities.
Extensive Reconnaissance Carried Out
Investigators revealed that the accused conducted detailed reconnaissance in both Mumbai and Delhi. In Mumbai, several bridges were surveyed, while in Delhi the group conducted recce at multiple government buildings, crowded areas, and locations housing security personnel.
Arrested Suspects Belong to Multiple States
The nine arrested individuals come from different states including Delhi, Maharashtra, and Punjab. Among those arrested were Vijay Shooter, picked up from Pune; Nitish Paswan from Sahibganj; Tauqeer and Arbaz from Mumbai; and Harvinder and Manjit from Delhi. A 66-year-old Nepalese national who had travelled to Delhi to arrange funds for the network was also taken into custody.
Dawood Ibrahim Associate Emerges as Key Link
Investigators have also uncovered alleged links between the accused and the Mumbai underworld, with Munna Jhingra — a close associate of Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Shakeel — emerging as a central figure in the case. Jhingra, believed to be Syed Muddasar Hussain, is currently based in Pakistan and is reportedly involved in running terror operations from there. He is originally from India but was deported to Pakistan after Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Shakeel allegedly used ISI-backed lawyers in a Bangkok court to establish him as a Pakistani citizen.
Wider Network Under Investigation
The Special Cell is now examining financial trails, communication records, and the broader network linked to the module. Agencies are working to determine whether additional operatives remain active elsewhere in the country and whether further targets had been identified. Security has been tightened at sensitive locations as the investigation continues.
