The Special Cell arrested seven operatives linked to Pakistan-based handlers Shahzad Bhatti and Ajmal Gujjar
Delhi Police’s Special Cell has dismantled an alleged Pakistan-backed terror-crime syndicate with links to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), arresting seven operatives connected to Pakistan-based gangster-turned-terrorist Shahzad Bhatti and his associate Ajmal Gujjar.
Officials said the operation prevented planned terrorist attacks in the Delhi-NCR region and disrupted a network involved in arms smuggling, narcotics trafficking and reconnaissance of potential targets.
Terror plots and surveillance missions
According to investigators, the module operated on instructions from handlers based in Pakistan and was tasked with conducting reconnaissance of crowded public places, key establishments and locations associated with religious leaders in Delhi-NCR.
The accused allegedly captured photographs and videos of potential targets and transmitted them to handlers across the border. Police said the objective appeared to be creating panic, fear and communal unrest.
Weapons, drugs and Pakistan links
Investigations revealed that weapons, ammunition and narcotics were smuggled from Pakistan into Punjab using drones before being transported to Delhi-NCR through local operatives.
The network allegedly recruited Indian youth through social media and encrypted messaging platforms, luring them with money and promises of quick financial gains before involving them in criminal and terror-related activities.
What police recovered
During the operation, police recovered:
- Five semi-automatic pistols
- 41 live cartridges
- Seven mobile phones
- A Scorpio vehicle
- Financial records linked to arms and drug transactions
Authorities said digital evidence recovered from the mobile phones included chats and voice notes allegedly linked to Pakistan-based handlers.
Key arrests
Among those arrested are alleged operatives from Ghaziabad, Delhi-NCR and Punjab, several of whom have previous criminal records involving murder, robbery, arms offences and narcotics cases.
Police said some members initially engaged in organised crime before allegedly becoming part of a larger terror and smuggling network directed by handlers in Pakistan.
Investigation continues
Officials believe the timely operation prevented a potentially major terror incident in Delhi-NCR. The Special Cell is continuing investigations to identify additional operatives, arms suppliers, narcotics channels and Pakistan-based coordinators linked to the network.
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