Delhi Police Bust Pakistan-Backed Terror-Crime Syndicate, Seven Arrested

In a significant counter-terrorism operation, the Special Cell of the Delhi Police successfully busted a Pakistan-backed international terror-crime syndicate, leading to the arrest of seven key operatives. The syndicate was allegedly operated by gangster-turned-terrorist Shahzad Bhatti and his associate Ajmal Gujjar, functioning under the direct patronage of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Police investigations revealed that this network was actively involved in cross-border smuggling of illegal arms, ammunition, and narcotic substances from Pakistan into India, primarily through Punjab, with consignments destined for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The module initially came to the attention of the Special Cell in mid-May, following intelligence inputs indicating that Bhatti and Gujjar were conspiring to execute terror attacks in Delhi-NCR. They were reportedly recruiting youths through various social media platforms, luring them with promises of quick money and a glamorous criminal lifestyle. Acting on this crucial intelligence, the police apprehended Mohit alias Yogi, a resident of Loni, Ghaziabad, from Yamuna Vihar in Delhi. From his possession, authorities recovered an unlicensed pistol, four live cartridges, and a mobile phone containing incriminating chats with Ajmal Gujjar. During interrogation, Mohit disclosed that he, along with Anas Tyagi, Arif alias Pradhan, and Karanveer Singh, had been recruited by Bhatti and Gujjar to facilitate the smuggling and distribution of heroin, illegal arms, and ammunition trafficked from Pakistan using drones in Punjab. The arrested individuals include residents of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, many of whom have previous criminal records, including cases related to murder, attempted murder, robbery, and offenses under the Arms Act and the NDPS Act. These operatives were reportedly in direct contact with their handlers in Pakistan through encrypted communication channels. Some members of the network also allegedly conducted reconnaissance of several key locations and crowded areas across Delhi-NCR, sending photographs and videos of these sites to their Pakistan-based handlers. The timely intervention by the Delhi Police Special Cell not only disrupted the activities of this organized module but also successfully thwarted several planned terror incidents in Delhi-NCR. This operation has been hailed as a significant blow to ISI-sponsored proxy warfare being carried out through criminal-terror networks. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Narra Chaitanya highlighted the importance of this bust in preventing potential security threats to the national capital. Authorities recovered a substantial cache of evidence during the operation, including five sophisticated semi-automatic pistols, 41 live cartridges, seven mobile phones containing incriminating chats and voice notes linked to Bhatti and Gujjar, a vehicle used by the syndicate, and details of multiple bank accounts allegedly used to transfer proceeds from the illicit trade of narcotics and illegal weapons. The network also utilized foreign phone numbers arranged by their Pakistan-based handlers to evade detection. Further investigations are underway to identify other members of the network, dismantle remaining components of this cross-border terror-crime syndicate, and apprehend absconding accused persons, middlemen, suppliers, and recipients involved in the illegal trade. This bust underscores the ongoing threat posed by such cross-border terror modules and the continuous efforts by Indian law enforcement agencies to counter them. It is important to note that Delhi Police has been actively busting various terror modules in recent months. In May 2026, nine individuals linked to Dawood Ibrahim and ISI were arrested for plotting terror attacks. In July 2026, another four operatives linked to ISI handler Shahzad Bhatti were arrested in a separate but related operation. These multiple operations highlight the persistent efforts by external agencies to destabilize India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read Full Story on Quick Digest