New Delhi: The Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested nine suspected terrorists allegedly linked to a Pakistan-based network involving the country’s intelligence agency and elements of the Mumbai underworld. Officials said the group was planning attacks on key installations and security personnel in Delhi, Mumbai and other major cities across India.
The arrests were made following a coordinated operation based on specific intelligence inputs. Investigators believe the accused were acting on instructions from handlers based across the border and had been tasked with carrying out targeted attacks aimed at creating panic and disrupting national security.
Weapons and explosives recovered
According to Delhi Police Special Cell officials, a significant cache of weapons and explosives was seized during the operation.
Special Cell officer Anil Shukla said authorities recovered Glock pistols, 25 live cartridges and four hand grenades allegedly manufactured by the Pakistan Ordnance Factory.
The grenades were later safely destroyed with assistance from the National Security Guard in an isolated area of Mehrauli to eliminate any potential threat.
Officials described the recovery as a major success in preventing a possible terror attack.
Targets included Delhi and Mumbai
Investigators revealed that the accused had allegedly conducted reconnaissance at several locations in both Delhi and Mumbai.
In Mumbai, police said the suspects surveyed multiple bridges and strategic locations, while in Delhi they reportedly carried out reconnaissance near government buildings, crowded public spaces and areas frequented by security personnel.
Authorities suspect these locations were being evaluated as potential targets for future attacks.
The investigation suggests that the group was gathering detailed information about movement patterns, security arrangements and vulnerabilities at various sites.
Arrests made across multiple states
The nine accused were arrested from different parts of the country during the coordinated operation.
Among those arrested is alleged gangster Vijay Shooter, who was taken into custody in Pune. Nitish Paswan was arrested in Sahibganj, while Tauqeer and Arbaz were apprehended in Mumbai.
Harvinder and Manjit were arrested in Delhi, while other suspects were picked up from various locations in Maharashtra, Punjab and the national capital region.
Police also detained a 66-year-old Nepalese national who had allegedly travelled to Delhi to arrange funds connected to the network’s activities.
Investigators probe alleged underworld links
A key focus of the investigation is the alleged connection between the terror module and figures associated with the Mumbai underworld.
Officials said a major breakthrough came after the name of Munna Jhingra, a known associate of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Shakeel, surfaced during the probe.
According to investigators, Munna Jhingra has allegedly been operating from Pakistan and is suspected of facilitating terror-related activities.
Police believe he is actually Syed Muddasar Hussain, who is currently based in Pakistan. Investigators claim he was previously linked to an attack on gangster Chhota Rajan in 2000.
Authorities are examining the extent of his involvement in coordinating activities between criminal and terror networks.
Cross-border communication under scrutiny
Investigators said the accused were allegedly in contact with handlers through what they described as the Shahzad Bhatti network.
Officials claim the suspects received instructions regarding possible targets and operational planning through these channels.
The Special Cell is now analysing communication records, financial transactions and digital evidence to determine the full extent of the network.
Agencies are also investigating whether additional operatives linked to the module remain active in other parts of the country.
Security heightened as probe continues
Following the arrests, security has been strengthened at several sensitive locations across major cities.
Officials described the operation as a significant breakthrough that may have prevented planned attacks on strategic targets and security personnel.
The Special Cell, along with other intelligence and security agencies, is continuing to examine the financial trail and operational structure of the alleged network.
Further details are expected to emerge as questioning of the accused continues and forensic analysis of the recovered material is completed.
Major breakthrough for security agencies
The arrests highlight ongoing efforts by Indian security agencies to identify and dismantle suspected terror networks operating within the country.
Authorities believe the operation has disrupted a potentially dangerous plot and prevented possible attacks on critical infrastructure and security establishments.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials are expected to provide additional information as the probe progresses.