Delhi Police Busts ISI-Dawood Terror Plot, Nine Arrested
Delhi Police's Special Cell has arrested nine individuals linked to Pakistan's ISI and Dawood Ibrahim's network, thwarting alleged terror attacks planned for critical installations and crowded areas in Delhi, Mumbai, and other parts of India. Arms and explosives were recovered from the accused.
Key Highlights
- Nine individuals arrested by Delhi Police Special Cell.
- Accused linked to Pakistan's ISI and Dawood Ibrahim's network.
- Planned terror attacks in Delhi, Mumbai, and other vital locations.
- Arms, explosives, and grenades recovered from suspects.
- Targets included critical installations, religious places, and markets.
- The module was under surveillance following intelligence inputs.
The Delhi Police Special Cell has successfully busted a significant terror module, arresting nine individuals allegedly linked to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the notorious underworld network of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim. The arrests were made following extensive intelligence-based operations and surveillance, preventing a series of planned terror attacks across major Indian cities, including Delhi and Mumbai.
Police officials confirmed that the arrested suspects were operating under the direct instructions of Pakistan-based handlers and were tasked with executing targeted attacks to create panic and disrupt national security. The alleged targets included critical government and strategic installations, security personnel, high-footfall markets in Delhi and Mumbai, religious places, nuclear facilities, airports, railway stations, and power plants.
A large cache of arms and explosives was recovered from the possession of the accused during the operation. This included modern pistols, hand grenades (some reportedly made in the Pakistan Ordnance Factory), and other explosive materials. Some sources also indicated the recovery of solar-powered CCTV cameras in a related earlier operation, which were allegedly used to transmit live feeds of sensitive defense and security establishments to handlers in Pakistan.
The arrested individuals hail from various states, including Delhi, Maharashtra, and Punjab. Reports also suggest the involvement of certain foreign nationals, including individuals of Nepali origin, whose identities and countries of origin are under further investigation.
Investigators are currently probing the broader network, funding channels, and logistical support systems of the module. They are also examining communication data and the role of overseas handlers in directing these activities. The operation highlights the alleged nexus between Pakistan's ISI and the Mumbai underworld, which has historically been accused of supporting extremist networks and engaging in activities such as arms smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and circulating fake Indian currency. The US Treasury Department had, in 2003, designated Dawood Ibrahim's criminal syndicate, D-Company, as having a 'strategic alliance' with the ISI and links with groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and al-Qaeda.
This is not an isolated incident. The arrests follow a period of heightened security alerts in India, with intelligence inputs hinting at potential suicide attacks and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) mounted on vehicles. Earlier operations, such as 'Gang Bust Operation 2.0' in May 2026, also led to the interrogation of alleged operatives linked to the Shahzad Bhatti module, revealing plans to target a historic temple in Delhi, a popular dhaba on the Delhi-Sonipat highway, and a military camp in Haryana.
The Delhi Police's Special Cell had previously, in April, arrested 11 people in a separate operation across Delhi and Punjab, seizing arms and surveillance equipment. These ongoing crackdowns underscore the continuous efforts by Indian security agencies to neutralize cross-border terror threats and dismantle sleeper cells operating within the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary claim of this news article?
The Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested nine individuals linked to Pakistan's ISI and Dawood Ibrahim's network, who were allegedly planning terror attacks in major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
Who are the key entities involved in this terror plot?
The key entities involved are the arrested terror operatives, Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and the network of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim, often referred to as the Mumbai underworld.
What were the intended targets of these planned attacks?
The planned targets included critical government and strategic installations, security personnel, religious places, high-footfall markets in Delhi and Mumbai, nuclear facilities, airports, railway stations, and power plants across India.
What evidence was recovered from the arrested individuals?
A significant cache of arms and explosives was recovered, including modern pistols, hand grenades (some made in the Pakistan Ordnance Factory), and other explosive materials.
What is the significance of the Dawood-ISI nexus in this context?
The Dawood-ISI nexus refers to the alleged alliance between Pakistan's intelligence agency and Dawood Ibrahim's underworld syndicate. This network has historically been accused of cross-border terrorism, arms smuggling, and funding extremist groups against India, highlighting a persistent threat to national security.
