A major terror conspiracy allegedly linked to Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and the Shahzad Bhatti module has been unearthed following the interrogation of operatives arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell, according to official sources.
Investigators have revealed that the terror network had identified several high-profile targets across north India, including a historic temple in Delhi, a popular dhaba hub in Haryana’s Murthal, and a military camp in Hisar. The conspiracy reportedly involved coordinated attacks aimed at causing mass casualties, spreading panic, and targeting security forces.
Sources said one of the accused conducted reconnaissance of a historic temple in Delhi and shared photographs and details of the site with handlers based in Pakistan through social media platforms. The terror module allegedly planned to first open fire on police and paramilitary personnel deployed at the temple complex before attacking the religious site itself.
Investigators suspect the attackers intended to trigger communal unrest and create fear among devotees by targeting a place of religious importance in the national capital.
The probe has also revealed that a well-known dhaba on the Delhi-Sonipat highway was among the intended targets of the terror module. According to sources, the attackers planned to use hand grenades at the crowded eatery to maximise destruction and casualties.
Murthal, located in Haryana’s Sonipat district along National Highway-44, is famous for its chain of roadside dhabas that attract thousands of visitors every day, including tourists and commuters travelling between Delhi and Punjab. Security agencies believe the location was selected because of its high footfall and symbolic value as a bustling public space.
Apart from civilian locations, the Pakistan-backed module allegedly conducted reconnaissance of a military camp in Hisar, Haryana. Videos and details of the camp were reportedly shared with handlers operating from Pakistan.
Sources further disclosed that police personnel posted at certain police stations in Uttar Pradesh were also on the target list of the terror network.
The revelations emerged a day after the Delhi Police Special Cell, in coordination with central intelligence agencies, arrested nine operatives linked to the Shahzad Bhatti module from Delhi and multiple other states. During the operation, investigators recovered a cache of weapons and incriminating materials believed to be connected to the conspiracy.
In another significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted three accused, including a Hyderabad-based doctor, in an ISIS-linked conspiracy involving plans to carry out mass poisoning attacks using a deadly biological toxin.
The accused — Dr Syed Ahmed Mohiuddin from Hyderabad and Uttar Pradesh residents Azad and Mohammad Suhel — were chargesheeted before a special NIA court in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
According to the NIA, the trio acted under the guidance of foreign-based ISIS handlers and worked to recruit radicalised youth for jihad-related activities. Investigators alleged that the accused planned to use ricin, an extremely toxic substance derived from castor seeds, to execute attacks in public places.
Ricin is classified under Schedule I of the Chemical Weapons Convention because of its highly lethal nature and potential use in bioterrorism.
Security agencies are now examining whether there are any operational or ideological links between the Pakistan-backed module busted by Delhi Police and the ISIS-inspired bioterror conspiracy investigated by the NIA.
Leave Your Comment