ISI-backed terror module smuggling arms, drugs busted in Delhi; 7 arrested

Delhi Police has dismantled a Pakistan-backed terror-crime syndicate run by gangster-turned-terrorists Shahzad Bhatti and Ajmal Gujjar.

In Short

• Module smuggled weapons, narcotics via Punjab to Delhi-NCR
• Accused recruited youths via social media for trafficking
• Police foiled terror plans in Delhi after gathering crucial intelligence

Delhi Police on Tuesday dismantled a Pakistan-backed terror-crime module operating across the Delhi-NCR region and arrested seven operatives accused of smuggling arms and narcotics from across the border.

The module was allegedly being run by Pakistan-based gangster-turned-terrorists Shahzad Bhatti and Ajmal Gujjar, who are believed to be operating under the patronage of Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

The accused were involved in procuring and distributing illegal arms, ammunition and narcotic substances smuggled into India through drone drops along the Punjab border before being supplied across Delhi-NCR, officials said.

The arrested accused have been identified as Anas Tyagi, Mohit alias Yogi, Deepak Agrola, Arif alias Pradhan, Jatan, and Sabir -- all residents of Ghaziabad -- and Karanvir Singh from Punjab. They are aged between 26 and 38 and have criminal records, including cases related to murder, attempted murder, robbery and offences under the Arms Act and the NDPS Act, according to officials.

During the operation, police recovered five sophisticated semi-automatic pistols, 41 live cartridges, seven mobile phones containing incriminating chats and voice notes allegedly linked to Bhatti and Gujjar, and an SUV. Investigators also seized details of multiple bank accounts allegedly used to channel proceeds generated from the sale of narcotics and illegal weapons.

According to Delhi Police Special Cell, intelligence inputs received in May indicated that Bhatti and Gujjar were conspiring to execute attacks in Delhi-NCR through youths recruited via social media platforms by luring them with promises of quick money and a glamorous criminal lifestyle.

Acting on the intelligence, police arrested Mohit alias Yogi, from whose possession illegal weapons and evidence of contact with Pakistan-based handlers were allegedly recovered.

During the investigation, police found that members of the module had conducted reconnaissance of several key locations and crowded areas across Delhi-NCR. Photographs and videos of these sites were allegedly being sent to handlers based in Pakistan. Police said timely intervention helped thwart several planned terror attacks in the national capital.

Investigators further revealed that the accused allegedly collected consignments of arms and narcotic substances dropped by drones from Pakistan into Punjab and transported them to Delhi-NCR.

Delhi Police said efforts are underway to trace absconding suspects, arms suppliers, and those involved in financing the network. Further investigation is underway, and additional disclosures are expected in the coming days, police said.

- Ends