Pakistan-Backed Terror Module Busted in Delhi-NCR; Seven Arrested

In a significant counter-terrorism operation, the Delhi Police's Special Cell has successfully dismantled an alleged Pakistan-backed terror-crime module operating across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). Seven individuals, identified as key operatives of the syndicate, were arrested, thwarting a plot to recruit vulnerable youths online for carrying out terror attacks in the region. The module was reportedly functioning under the direct patronage of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and was being controlled by notorious Pakistan-based gangster-turned-terrorist Shahzad Bhatti and his associate Ajmal Gujjar. Investigations revealed that this network was primarily involved in the cross-border smuggling of illegal arms, ammunition, and narcotics. These consignments were allegedly brought into India from Pakistan through drone drops in Punjab, subsequently distributed, and supplied across the Delhi-NCR region. The arrested accused have been identified as Anas alias Anas Tyagi (26), Mohit alias Yogi (26), Deepak alias Deepak Agrola (38), Arif alias Pradhan (30), Karanveer Singh (26), Jatan (29), and Sabir (30). Police records indicate that several of these individuals have a history of criminal involvement, including cases related to murder, attempted murder, dacoity, and offenses under the Arms Act and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This suggests a deliberate strategy by the handlers to leverage existing criminal networks and individuals with a predisposition for illegal activities. The breakthrough came following crucial intelligence inputs received in May, which indicated that Bhatti and Gujjar were actively conspiring to orchestrate terror attacks in Delhi-NCR. A significant aspect of their strategy involved exploiting social media platforms to identify and recruit young individuals, luring them with promises of financial gains and a lavish lifestyle. Acting on this critical information, police laid a trap and successfully apprehended Mohit alias Yogi near the Bhagirath Water Treatment Plant in Yamuna Vihar. During his arrest, an illegal pistol, four live cartridges, and a mobile phone containing incriminating chats with Ajmal Gujjar were recovered. Mohit's interrogation proved instrumental, leading investigators to uncover the broader network and its various components. Further questioning of the arrested operatives, including Anas Tyagi, revealed that Bhatti and Gujjar had instructed network members to conduct extensive reconnaissance of various public places and other sensitive locations throughout Delhi-NCR. Photographs and videos of these surveyed sites were then allegedly sent to their handlers in Pakistan for further planning of terror activities. The syndicate's methods of communication included encrypted messaging channels and social media to maintain operational secrecy and facilitate recruitment. During the comprehensive operation, law enforcement agencies made significant seizures, including five sophisticated semi-automatic pistols, 41 live cartridges, and seven mobile phones. These mobile devices contained crucial incriminating chats and voice notes, directly linking the arrested individuals to Bhatti and Gujjar. An SUV, allegedly used by the module, was also confiscated, along with detailed information on multiple bank accounts suspected of being used to channel funds generated from the illicit trade of narcotics and illegal weapons. Investigators claimed that one operative, Arif, had purchased a pistol for Rs 1 lakh, with payments routed through multiple accounts linked to individuals working abroad. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Narra Chaitanya highlighted the timely intervention, stating that it not only disrupted the activities of this organised module but also successfully prevented several planned terror incidents, delivering a significant blow to ISI-sponsored proxy warfare conducted through criminal-terror networks. This operation underscores the evolving nature of cross-border terrorism, with handlers in Pakistan increasingly leveraging online platforms and drone technology to execute their nefarious designs. This incident is not isolated, as other related busts have occurred recently. For instance, on March 23, 2026, Delhi Police's Special Cell arrested another key operative of Shahzad Bhatti's network, revealing a module recruiting Indian youths through social media for various terror-related activities. Similarly, on May 27, 2026, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) busted a Pakistan-linked terror module involving four arrests for recruiting and radicalizing youth via social media, also linked to Shahzad Bhatti and the ISI. A July 3, 2026, operation also saw the Delhi Police Special Cell arresting four men linked to a Pakistan-backed interstate terror and arms network, again highlighting Shahzad Bhatti's alleged role in recruiting youths from Punjab for terror strikes in Delhi-NCR. These repeated operations emphasize a persistent and multi-faceted threat from Pakistan-backed terror elements seeking to destabilise India through a combination of crime, narcotics, and radicalisation.

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