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The operation was carried out under “Operation Gang Bust 2.0”. It led to the recovery of sophisticated illegal firearms, foreign-made pistols, and a large cache of live ammunition. Investigators believe the accused were planning violent attacks on rival gangs. Police also alleged that the syndicate was running extortion and betting networks across East and Northeast Delhi.
Police identified the arrested accused as Faiz Qureshi, 26, Maaz, 24, Nawajish, 32, Affak, 24, Imran alias Teli, 39, and Arshad alias Chota, 25. All are residents of Kabir Nagar, Babarpur and Brahmpuri in northeast Delhi. According to police, the accused have criminal backgrounds linked to murder, attempted murder, extortion and Arms Act offences.
Crime Branch Intercepts Gang Operatives in Karol Bagh
The breakthrough came after the Crime Branch received intelligence inputs on May 6. Officials learned that gang operatives were moving near F-Bar & Lounge on Pusa Road in Karol Bagh. A special team led by Inspector Prakash Chand was deployed to monitor the suspects.
Due to heavy public presence inside the lounge, officers waited outside before moving in. At around 4.05 am, four suspects came out of the premises. Police teams intercepted them immediately.
A search of their vehicle led to the recovery of four illegal pistols and 32 live cartridges. Further interrogation and technical surveillance later helped investigators track down two more operatives linked to the syndicate.
In total, the Crime Branch recovered 10 illegal firearms and 81 live cartridges during the operation. The seizure included nine sophisticated pistols using .30 and .32 bore ammunition. Police also recovered a .312 bore rifle, commonly referred to as a “doga”.
Officials confirmed that two of the recovered pistols were Italian-made Berettas. Investigators believe these point towards an organised illegal arms supply chain. Police also seized a Maruti Baleno allegedly used by the gang members.
Signal App, Extortion, and Recruitment of Teenagers
Investigators claimed the accused were in direct contact with fugitive gangster Rashid Cable Wala through the encrypted Signal application. According to police, the gang built a structured extortion network targeting local businesses, clubs, and traders. Officials also alleged that the syndicate operated betting and satta rackets across parts of Delhi.
Police further claimed that gang members were recruiting local teenagers into organised crime. Investigators alleged that illegal firearms were supplied to young recruits before they were used as ground-level operatives.
Police sources said Nawajish allegedly handled illegal weapons procurement for the syndicate. Imran alias Teli allegedly managed financial operations under the direction of Rashid Cable Wala.
Dubai Link Deepens Heat on Syndicate
The latest arrests once again exposed the continuing reach of jailed gangster Hashim Baba. Despite being lodged in Tihar Jail, his criminal network allegedly remains active in Delhi.
Police described Rashid Cable Wala as one of Baba’s closest associates. Investigators said he fled India using a fake passport in 2022. Police believe he later established operations from Dubai.
Rashid’s name has surfaced in several high-profile criminal cases in Delhi. These include the murder of businessman Nadir Shah in Greater Kailash, the killing of businessman Sunil Jain in Krishna Nagar, and a double murder case in East Delhi.
The crackdown also follows earlier action by the Special Cell. Last month, police arrested absconding shooter Shadab Ahmad alias Shadab Chappal after he allegedly evaded arrest for nearly two years. Officers recovered a loaded semi-automatic pistol and live cartridges from his possession. Another operative, Mohd Adi alias Adil alias Tavis, was separately arrested in April with illegal weapons.
Delhi Police officials said further interrogation is underway. Investigators are trying to uncover the gang’s wider operational network and identify additional operatives linked to the Hashim Baba-Rashid syndicate.
