In a major counter-terrorism operation, the Delhi Police Special Cell arrested nine individuals linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the network of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. Investigators say the group planned coordinated attacks on critical infrastructure and security targets in Delhi, Mumbai and several other parts of the country.
Officials said the group included residents of Delhi, Mumbai and Punjab. Some members are foreign nationals. Security agencies also recovered a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition. The recovery suggests the network had moved well beyond the planning stage.
Security agencies tracked the suspects for an extended period before launching coordinated raids. Those operations led to the arrests and the seizure of weapons. Investigators are now examining the group’s domestic and international links.
Critical Infrastructure Identified as Targets
Investigators say the network identified several high-value targets across the country. These included nuclear facilities, airports, railway stations, power plants and key security installations.
Sources familiar with the investigation said operatives had specific instructions to target vital national assets and security personnel. The nature of those targets has elevated the seriousness of the case and intensified the investigation.
Authorities are tracing financial transactions, communication channels and logistical networks linked to the group. They are also examining the role of overseas handlers who may have coordinated activities from outside India.
Security Agencies Remain on High Alert
The arrests come as Delhi remains under heightened security surveillance following recent intelligence inputs about possible terror threats.
Security agencies had warned of attempts to target crowded public spaces and prominent government establishments. Intelligence assessments highlighted the possibility of suicide attacks, shootings, vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and coordinated strikes designed to cause large-scale disruption.
Following those alerts, district police units strengthened surveillance and increased coordination with intelligence agencies and central security forces. The latest operation has renewed concerns about cross-border networks attempting to build local support structures inside India.
Focus Turns to Wider Network
Investigators are now working to determine whether the suspects had links to extremist networks uncovered in previous cases. The arrests have once again highlighted how terror networks can operate through individuals who appear to lead ordinary lives.
Last year, authorities dismantled a sophisticated “white-collar” terror module linked to Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, an al-Qaeda-affiliated organisation. Investigators uncovered that network shortly before a deadly vehicle-borne IED attack near Delhi’s Red Fort killed 15 people and injured several others. A doctor and university employees figured among those named in that case.
Investigation Continues
Investigators are now focused on identifying additional operatives and establishing the chain of command. They are also examining whether the group received financial, logistical or operational assistance from handlers based outside India.
The Delhi Police plans to share further details about the operation during a scheduled press briefing. Investigators will also disclose more information about the identities of those arrested and the weapons recovered during the raids. As the probe expands, agencies will work to determine the full reach of the network and identify any remaining operatives.
