Delhi Police's Special Cell has dismantled a large interstate terror and arms smuggling network backed by Pakistan's ISI, arresting a total of four accused in the operation. Of the four held, three were picked up from Punjab and one from Delhi. Investigators say the conspiracy to carry out a major terror attack in Delhi was being run on the instructions of ISI handler Shahzad Bhatti, who is based in Pakistan. Police recovered two foreign made pistols from the accused, including a Zigana and a .30 bore pistol, along with 9 live cartridges and 5 mobile phones.
Foreign SIM cards used to stay in touch with Pakistani handlers
According to police, the accused stayed in constant touch with their Pakistani handlers through foreign mobile numbers in order to avoid detection by security agencies. The investigation also revealed that weapons and narcotics were being brought into India from Pakistan using drones. The alleged mastermind of the network, Shubhdeep Singh, has previously been arrested by Punjab Police in an NDPS case, indicating he was already linked to the drug trafficking trade.
Two more accused involved in arms and drug drone drops
Gurjant Singh and Sajan Singh, the other two accused, were also involved in receiving consignments of weapons and drugs dropped by drones sent from Pakistan. Sajan Singh too has a prior arrest in an NDPS case. The fourth accused, Gaganpreet, was arrested from Delhi, and his role in the module is being described as different from, and more dangerous than, the other three.
Gaganpreet was assigned recce of religious sites and police stations
Police say Gaganpreet had been specifically tasked with carrying out reconnaissance of Delhi's religious places, police stations and police picket points. He had also been assigned the task of carrying out a firing incident targeting police establishments in the capital, making clear that the conspiracy was not limited to arms smuggling alone but was tied directly to preparations for a terror strike.
Module cracked after coordinated raids across several states
The Special Cell exposed the entire module using technical surveillance combined with simultaneous raids carried out across multiple states. An FIR has been registered under the relevant sections of the BNS and the Arms Act, and further investigation is now underway. Delhi Police has said the probe into the case is being carried out thoroughly and that the guilty will be given strict punishment. Police have appealed to the public to immediately contact them if they notice any suspicious activity around them, saying such information can help in catching suspects.
