A major security operation by Delhi Police has led to the arrest of eight alleged members of a suspected Pakistan-linked terror and criminal network, with investigators claiming the module had connections to both Pakistan's intelligence establishment and the Mumbai underworld.
The Special Cell said it recovered four live hand grenades and 25 cartridges allegedly manufactured by the Pakistan Ordnance Factories during the operation. Three of the arrested individuals are from Punjab, while the remaining suspects were picked up from different locations across the country.
Arrests uncover alleged attack plans
According to the Tribune, the investigation began with the arrest of Vijay Shooter on May 19. During questioning, officers identified an alleged handler named Naved, who is believed to be operating from Pune.
The probe later led investigators to Jharkhand, where Nitish Paswan was arrested from Sahibganj. Police claimed that interrogations revealed plans to target locations in Delhi and Mumbai.
Special Commissioner of Police Anil Shukla said investigators found evidence suggesting reconnaissance activities had already been carried out. The accused allegedly recorded videos of important buildings in Delhi and several locations in Mumbai, including areas around the Dadar railway station.
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Underworld links under scanner
According to the Tribune, police have also named Munna Jhingada, also known as Sayyed Muzakkir Mudassar Hussain, as one of the alleged handlers behind the network.
Investigators described him as a convicted sharpshooter with alleged links to underworld figures Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Shakeel. According to officials, he was allegedly tasked with creating and managing financial channels for the module's activities.
Authorities believe the network was attempting to build operational and logistical support structures in different states.
Social media used for recruitment
According to the Tribune, investigators said the accused allegedly relied on social media platforms, including Instagram, to recruit individuals, communicate with handlers and coordinate activities.
One suspect, identified as Ujafa, remains at large, and police teams are conducting searches to locate him.
Officials said the investigation is now focused on identifying the module's broader network, tracing financial transactions and examining the nature of its alleged international connections. Security agencies are also assessing whether the group had progressed beyond reconnaissance and logistical preparations toward carrying out potential attacks.
