Delhi Police foils Pakistan-backed terror plot targeting religious leaders and strategic locations, seven arrested

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police has busted an international terror-criminal network that was allegedly planning attacks at multiple locations in the national capital. The Special Cell of Delhi Police arrested seven key members of the gang, which was reportedly being operated from Pakistan by alleged terrorist and gangster Shahzad Bhatti and his associate Ajmal Gujjar.

The arrested accused have been identified as Anas (26), Mohit (26), Deepak Agrola (38), Arif (30), Jatan (29), and Sabir (30), all from Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh, along with Karanveer Singh (26) from Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab. Police said Deepak Agrola has 23 criminal cases registered against him in Uttar Pradesh, including murder and robbery cases. Investigators found that he allegedly came in contact with the network while he was lodged in Mandoli Jail.

The Delhi Special Cell recovered sophisticated weapons, ammunition, digital evidence, and a vehicle allegedly used for illegal activities from the accused. Officials said timely action helped foil a suspected terror plot targeting prominent religious leaders and strategic locations in the Delhi-NCR region.

Delhi Police Deputy Commissioner Narra Chaitanya said Shahzad Bhatti and Ajmal Gujjar were allegedly operating with the support of Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI. The gang reportedly used drone routes along the Punjab border to smuggle weapons and drugs from Pakistan into India. According to police, the group planned attacks at public places and sensitive locations in Delhi to spread fear. The accused had also allegedly shared photographs and videos of these locations with their handlers in Pakistan.

Police seized five sophisticated semi-automatic pistols, 41 rounds of ammunition, and an SUV from the accused. Investigators also recovered seven mobile phones containing chats and voice messages linked to Pakistan-based handlers. Details of bank accounts allegedly used for transferring money from arms and drug-related activities were also found.

The operation was carried out by the Eastern Range team of the Special Cell under the supervision of ACP Kailash Singh Bisht. Inspectors Rahul Kumar, Vineet Kumar Tewatia, and Ajit Kumar were part of the team that completed the operation.