Security arrangements across the national capital have been tightened after Delhi Police received intelligence inputs warning of a possible terror attack targeting key locations in Lutyens’ Delhi, including government buildings and political party offices.
According to a report by the Hindustan Times (HT), officers familiar with the matter said that the alert came shortly after the Special Cell busted a network allegedly linked to Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and arrested nine people connected to the module.
BJP headquarters among potential targets
As per the HT report, Police sources said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters was specifically mentioned in the inputs, prompting additional deployment and surveillance in and around the area. Security checks have also been intensified near sensitive government establishments in central Delhi.
Also Read | India’s MIRV-enabled Agni missile successfully completes flight trial: Multiple targets in one launch
“We received inputs that BJP headquarters could be targeted in a terror attack. We were also told to keep a check on nearby government offices and in Lutyens’ area. Due to last year’s car bombing terror attack near Red Fort, we started looking into suicide attacks, car bombs, weapons and IEDs," HT quoted A senior officer, requesting anonymity, as saying.
Officials said monitoring has increased at entry points, while security personnel have been directed to remain alert for suspicious vehicles, explosive devices and unusual movement in high-security zones.
Pakistan-linked network under scanner
The latest alert follows Thursday’s crackdown on a network allegedly operating under Shahzad Bhatti, a gangster believed to be functioning from Pakistan with cross-border links.
Investigators said the accused used social media platforms to recruit operatives and expand the network in north India and the Delhi-NCR region.
Also Read | Three meetings in 72 hours, no decision yet: Suspense grows over Vijay’s government bid
“The accused were tasked with carrying out random firing at security personnel in north India and the Delhi-NCR. Some of them were allegedly involved in arms trafficking for the Shahzad Bhatti network”, Additional Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Pramod Singh Kushwah told HT.
Security increased nationwide
A Delhi BJP functionary confirmed that security around party offices has been strengthened in recent days.
“The security has been ramped up, keeping in view the prevailing threat following the swearing-in ceremony of the government in West Bengal. From what we have learnt, security has been heightened at BJP headquarters nationwide. The bandobast has been there over the last couple of days,” the functionary said.
