In a major counter-terrorism operation, the Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested nine individuals linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the network of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. The accused were reportedly plotting coordinated attacks on critical infrastructure and security targets in Delhi, Mumbai, and several other parts of the country.
According to officials, the suspects include residents of Delhi, Mumbai, and Punjab, while some are foreign nationals. Security agencies also recovered a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition during the operation, indicating that the group was in an advanced stage of preparation.
Critical infrastructure allegedly in crosshairs
Preliminary investigations suggest that the module had identified several high-value targets, including nuclear facilities, airports, railway stations, power plants, and security installations. Sources indicated that the operatives had been tasked with carrying out attacks on vital national assets as well as security personnel.
Officials revealed that the group had been under surveillance for an extended period before coordinated raids led to the arrests. Investigators are now examining the extent of the module’s international connections, including possible cross-border support networks, financial channels, and the involvement of overseas handlers directing operations from abroad.
Heightened security concerns in the national capital
The arrests come at a time when Delhi remains on heightened alert following intelligence inputs about possible terror threats targeting the national capital. Security agencies had recently warned of potential attempts to strike crowded public places and prominent government offices through suicide attacks, vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), shootings, and coordinated terror strikes.
In response, all district police units have been instructed to maintain maximum vigilance and work closely with intelligence agencies and central security forces.
Shadow of previous terror plots
The latest development has revived concerns over terror modules operating through seemingly ordinary individuals and professional networks. Investigators are expected to examine whether the newly arrested suspects had any links to previously uncovered extremist networks.
Last year, authorities had uncovered a sophisticated “white-collar” terror module linked to Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organisation. The module was busted shortly before a deadly vehicle-borne IED attack near Delhi’s Red Fort that claimed 15 lives and left several others injured. Several educated professionals, including a doctor and university employees, were among those accused in that case.
Investigation underway
With the arrests now made, investigators are focusing on uncovering the full extent of the conspiracy, identifying additional terrorists, and tracing the chain of command behind the module. Authorities are also probing whether the suspects were receiving logistical, financial, or operational support from handlers based outside India.
The Delhi Police is expected to provide further details about the operation, the identities of the accused, and the nature of the recovered weapons during a scheduled press briefing.
