Key Facts
The Delhi Police Special Cell has dismantled a Pakistan-backed international terror-crime syndicate operated by gangster-turned-terrorist Shahzad Bhatti and his associate Ajmal Gujjar. Seven operatives were arrested for smuggling illegal arms, ammunition, and narcotics from Pakistan into Delhi-NCR. The network functioned under the patronage of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and used Indian individuals to further terror activities.
Details of the Operation
The module came to light in mid-May when the Special Cell received intelligence that Bhatti and Gujjar, acting at the behest of ISI, were planning attacks in Delhi-NCR and had recruited youths through social media. Acting on the input, police apprehended Mohit alias Yogi, a resident of Loni, Ghaziabad, from Yamuna Vihar. An unlicensed pistol, four live cartridges, and a phone containing chats with Gujjar were recovered from him.
During interrogation, Mohit disclosed that he, along with Anas Tyagi, Arif alias Pradhan, and Karanveer Singh, had been recruited by Bhatti and Gujjar to facilitate the smuggling and distribution of heroin, illegal arms, and ammunition trafficked from Pakistan through drones in Punjab.
Recovery and Impact
Police recovered five semi-automatic pistols, 41 live cartridges, seven phones containing incriminating chats and voice notes linked to Bhatti and Gujjar, a vehicle, and details of multiple bank accounts used to transfer proceeds from the sale of narcotics and illegal weapons. The arrests thwarted several planned terror incidents in Delhi-NCR.
Modus Operandi
Tyagi told police that Bhatti and Gujjar had tasked the group with conducting reconnaissance of public places, sensitive establishments, and certain individuals in Delhi-NCR and Haryana. Photographs and videos of these locations were sent to handlers in Pakistan for operational planning. Investigators found that Arif had purchased a Zigana pistol from Gujjar and the group was involved in smuggling narcotics from Punjab using dead-drop delivery methods. The probe uncovered links between Tyagi and jailed gangster Deepak Agrola, who was introduced to Gujjar for procuring illegal weapons through an associate named Jatan.
What Readers Should Know
The syndicate used social media, encrypted messaging platforms, hawala channels, and anonymous accounts for recruitment, financing, and logistics. The arrests, police said, dealt a significant blow to ISI-sponsored proxy warfare carried out through criminal-terror networks. Further investigation is underway to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate.
FAQ
Who were the key operatives of the syndicate?
The syndicate was operated by gangster-turned-terrorist Shahzad Bhatti and his associate Ajmal Gujjar, both based in Pakistan.
What items were recovered by the police?
Police recovered five semi-automatic pistols, 41 live cartridges, seven phones with incriminating chats, a vehicle, and details of bank accounts used for money laundering.
How did the syndicate recruit members?
The syndicate used social media, encrypted messaging platforms, hawala channels, and anonymous accounts to recruit youths and manage logistics.