Nine arrested for ISI-backed terror plot targeting India

In a significant counter-terrorism operation, the Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested nine individuals with alleged links to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim. These individuals were reportedly planning a series of terror attacks across India, targeting key installations, security establishments, and public places in Delhi, Mumbai, and Punjab. The arrests were made following a coordinated multi-state operation, indicating a broad conspiracy orchestrated by the ISI and underworld operatives, with a network operated by Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti playing a crucial role. During the course of the operation, a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the arrested accused. This included Pakistani-made hand grenades, Glock pistols, and live ammunition. Evidence suggests that the module was actively involved in recruiting local youth, promising them financial rewards upon the successful execution of attacks. Furthermore, investigations have revealed that the network utilized channels in Nepal for logistical and financial support, highlighting a cross-border dimension to their operations. The targeted locations for the planned attacks were extensive and included vital government installations, railway stations, parks, and bridges in Mumbai, as well as key government buildings and public areas in Delhi. The involvement of Shahzad Bhatti, a Pakistan-based gangster who previously operated from Dubai, is a significant aspect of the investigation. He is believed to be acting as a proxy for anti-India operations, leveraging criminal gangs and gangsters to radicalize and groom individuals for terror activities. This operation is seen as a major breakthrough from a national security perspective, averting significant potential harm. The Delhi Police stated that major attacks have been prevented with these arrests. The arrested individuals are residents of Delhi, Mumbai, and Punjab, with some also identified as foreign nationals, though their specific identities and nationalities were not fully disclosed at the time of the initial reports. Previous related incidents and ongoing investigations by the Delhi Police Special Cell have also pointed towards similar ISI-backed modules. For instance, in June 2026, seven operatives were arrested for allegedly aiding arms and narcotics trafficking under the patronage of Shahzad Bhatti and Ajmal Gujjar, who are believed to be operating under ISI influence. Another operation in July 2026 busted an ISI-backed terror-espionage cell, arresting four individuals linked to Shahzad Bhatti, one of whom had conducted reconnaissance of Delhi police establishments. These consistent findings underscore a sustained effort by Pakistani intelligence agencies to destabilize India through covert operations involving terror modules and criminal networks. The broader context of these arrests also involves the re-activation of the Dawood Ibrahim network, as suggested by senior police officials. The intelligence inputs leading to this operation had indicated the possibility of terror attacks, including suicide attacks and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (IEDs), with potential targets including the BJP headquarters and crowded areas in Central Delhi. The modus operandi of these modules often involves using social media and encrypted communication channels to radicalize and recruit vulnerable youth. The use of foreign SIM cards and cryptocurrency for financial transactions has also been noted, making them difficult to trace for security agencies. In summary, the arrest of these nine individuals represents a successful pre-emption of a serious terror threat orchestrated by Pakistan's ISI and its associated criminal networks, highlighting the persistent security challenges India faces from across its borders.

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