The Delhi Police Special Cell on Saturday, 30 May arrested nine individuals allegedly operating on behalf of a Pakistan-based ISI-linked underworld network with ties to fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim, with investigators saying the module had planned attacks on targets in Delhi and Mumbai. Several others have been detained for questioning as the probe widens.

Key Arrests and Recoveries

Sajid Mehboob Sheikh, alias Arbaz Khan, was arrested from Kurla in Mumbai, while Tauqeer Rizwan Sheikh was apprehended from Mumbra. Both accused have since been brought to Delhi for further investigation. Coordinated operations were conducted across the Kurla and Mumbra areas before the arrests were made.

The Special Cell also recovered a large cache of weapons during the operation. Among those arrested are individuals of Nepalese origin, according to Delhi Police sources.

Scale of the Network

Investigators have identified nearly 600 individuals across India who were allegedly in contact with Pakistani gangster Shahzad Bhatti through various channels, primarily social media platforms. According to officials, the two Mumbai-based accused had received instructions to travel to Delhi, where they were to be assigned their next targets on arrival. They were also allegedly provided funds to cover travel and operational expenses.

Sources indicated that potential targets on the group's list included nuclear facilities, airports, railway stations, and power plants, according to reports. The module had allegedly been cultivated over a prolonged period by Pakistani intelligence operatives.

ISI-Dawood Nexus Exposed

Investigators claim the operation has exposed an alleged nexus between Dawood Ibrahim and Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Officials said the module had been under surveillance for a considerable period before Saturday's arrests. Investigators are now examining possible cross-border connections, funding channels, and the role of overseas handlers in directing the group's activities.

According to Delhi Police, intelligence inputs suggest that terror handlers operating from abroad are increasingly using encrypted online platforms, social media networks, and local sleeper cells to recruit, radicalise, and guide operatives within India.

Delhi on High Alert

Delhi remains on high alert following intelligence inputs regarding a possible terror threat. Earlier this month, security agencies received alerts about potential attempts to target prominent offices and crowded areas in central Delhi through suicide attacks, vehicle-borne IEDs, shootings, and coordinated strikes.

All district police units have been directed to remain vigilant and maintain close coordination with intelligence agencies and central paramilitary forces. The broader security apparatus is now focused on tracing overseas handlers and dismantling residual sleeper networks.