Delhi Police Uncover Major ISI-Linked Conspiracy: Two Arrested in Targeted Attack Plot
Major Arrests in Delhi-NCR Targeted Attack Conspiracy
New Delhi: The Special Cell of the Delhi Police has apprehended two individuals believed to be operatives under the direction of Shahzad Bhatti, a gangster linked to the ISI. Authorities have uncovered a plot involving plans for shootings, grenade assaults, and targeted killings in the Delhi-NCR area, as confirmed by an official on Tuesday.
The suspects, Rajveer (21) and Vivek Banjara (19), both hailing from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, were taken into custody by the Special Cell.
Their arrests thwarted imminent attacks in the capital and surrounding regions. This operation revealed a broader scheme orchestrated by Bhatti, who, along with other ISI-affiliated handlers, was reportedly recruiting youth via social media to carry out violent acts in Delhi-NCR, stated Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Praveen Kumar Tripathi.
A case was initiated on March 31 after receiving intelligence about a planned series of grenade attacks and targeted killings in the area.
Vivek Banjara was first located and arrested in Dabra, Gwalior, on April 16. During questioning, he provided information about his accomplice Rajveer, leading to Rajveer's arrest in the Sarai Kale Khan area of Delhi on April 18.
Authorities indicated that Rajveer was allegedly preparing to attack a well-known hotel in Delhi-NCR under the orders of his handler, Shahzad Bhatti, at the time of his arrest. A pistol and six live cartridges were reportedly found in his possession, along with two mobile phones containing incriminating videos and voice messages related to the conspiracy.
The police detailed that Rajveer, a young recruit from Dabra in Gwalior, connected with Bhatti's network through social media.
He was directly managed by Bhatti's associate, known as Rana Bhai, and was given significant operational duties. Rajveer allegedly played a crucial role in coordinating movements, acquiring weapons, and executing planned attacks.
Vivek Banjara, also from Gwalior, was introduced to the network by Rajveer. Investigators noted that he assisted with logistics and reconnaissance, actively facilitating travel, receiving weapons, and documenting criminal activities as instructed by their handlers.
Both individuals were enticed with promises of quick financial gain and gradually became more entrenched in the criminal network. In March, Rajveer was directed to send an associate to Ahmedabad to procure weapons. Vivek traveled there, but the delivery did not occur. Bhatti had arranged Rs 5,000 for his accommodation.
On April 9, the pair traveled to Amritsar, where they allegedly received a pistol, 15-20 live rounds, and Rs 20,000. They were instructed to open fire at a club in Zirakpur, Punjab, which had reportedly received extortion threats from Bhatti.
On April 11, Rajveer attempted to execute the shooting but was unsuccessful due to a malfunction in the weapon. Vivek recorded a video of the incident to send to their handler. Rajveer later hid the weapon upon returning to Delhi and communicated its location to Bhatti.
After spending several days in Delhi-NCR, he returned to Punjab, where he acquired another pistol and ammunition before heading back to the capital. Ongoing investigations aim to identify additional members of the network.