ISI-linked terror plot foiled: Eight arrested in nationwide crackdown

In a swift, coordinated crackdown, the Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested eight suspected operatives allegedly linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence and extremist elements based in Bangladesh, foiling what officials describe as a major terror plot.

Six accused including Mizanur Rahman, Mohammad Shabat, Umar, Mohammad Litan, Mohammad Shahid and Mohammed Ujjal were detained from garment factories in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruppur district. Two others were arrested in West Bengal.

Investigators believe the group was acting under instructions from foreign handlers. Preliminary findings suggest the handler is a Kashmir native currently operating out of Bangladesh.

Fake Aadhaar, digital trail

Police said some of the arrested individuals are suspected Bangladeshi nationals who allegedly used forged Aadhaar cards to conceal their identities.

The breakthrough followed a probe into online posts supporting extremist activities. Raids led to the seizure of eight mobile phones and 16 SIM cards, now under forensic examination to trace communication and funding links.

High alert in Delhi

The arrests came amid heightened security in the capital after intelligence inputs warned of a possible strike by Pakistan-based outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Sources indicated that crowded religious and heritage sites were potential targets, including areas around Chandni Chowk and the Red Fort, with suspicions of an IED attack being planned.

Posters triggered crackdown

The investigation gathered pace after “Free Kashmir” posters surfaced at over 10 locations across Delhi, including inside the metro network. Tracking the origin of the posters led investigators to Tamil Nadu, exposing what officials describe as a structured, cross-border module.

Authorities have termed the operation a major breakthrough. Further investigations are underway to uncover additional operatives and wider international links.