Pak's ISI-linked module busted in Delhi, planned to carry out grenade attacks

The Special Cell of Delhi Police on Tuesday arrested two operatives linked to Pakistan-based ISI proxy Shahzad Bhatti for their alleged involvement in a conspiracy to carry out targeted killings and grenade attacks across the Delhi-NCR region.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Rajveer (21) and Vivek Banjara (19), both originally from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. Further investigation into the network and its links is currently underway.

HOW THE OPERATION UNFOLDED

Acting on specific intelligence inputs that Bhatti, along with other ISI-linked operatives, was planning grenade attacks and targeted killings in the NCR region, the Special Cell initiated a detailed investigation last month.

Acting on credible intelligence inputs, the Special Cell traced Banjara to Gwalior and arrested him on April 16. He was subsequently remanded to five days of police custody. His interrogation led to the arrest of Rajveer on April 18 from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi.

During the operation, the police recovered one pistol, six live cartridges, and two mobile phones containing incriminating videos and voice messages.

RAJVEER RADICALISED ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Investigations revealed that Rajveer had been radicalised and recruited through social media by an individual known as ‘Rana Bhai’, an associate of Bhatti. Rajveer later introduced Banjara to both ‘Rana Bhai’ and Bhatti.

In March 2026, Bhatti instructed Rajveer to send Banjara to Ahmedabad to collect weapons. However, the delivery did not materialise.

On April 9, acting on Bhatti’s instructions, Rajveer and Vivek travelled to Amritsar, where they received a pistol, 15–20 live cartridges, and Rs 20,000. The weapon was intended for an attack on a club in Zirakpur, which had reportedly received extortion threats from Bhatti. On April 11, Rajveer attempted to open fire at the club but failed after the weapon malfunctioned.

After spending a few days in the Delhi-NCR region, Rajveer travelled to Faridkot, where he obtained another pistol and six live cartridges from one of Bhatti’s associates. He then returned to Delhi with plans to target a prominent hotel, but was apprehended on April 18.

SECOND MAJOR OPERATION IN A WEEK

The arrests came days after another Special Cell operation busted an alleged interstate espionage, terror, and arms module directly linked to the Pakistani intelligence agency.

A covert surveillance network involving several solar-powered CCTV cameras was unearthed as a result of the operation. The module was found to have links with Pakistan-based Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International.

As many as 11 people were arrested for their alleged involvement in the ISI-backed network. The arrests also averted potential grenade attack on security establishments, as per police officials.

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