Delhi Police Uncovers ISI-Linked Terror Network Planning Attacks
In a significant crackdown, the Delhi Police has exposed a terror network allegedly linked to Pakistan's ISI, planning attacks on sensitive sites across North India. The operation, dubbed 'Operation Gang Bust 2.0,' resulted in the arrest of nine suspects and the seizure of a large cache of weapons and materials. Investigators uncovered plans targeting a historic temple, a busy dhaba, and a military camp, revealing a broader scheme to instill fear among the public. This operation highlights the ongoing efforts to dismantle organized crime and terrorism linked to foreign entities. Read on to discover more about the details of this extensive operation.
May 8, 2026, 13:39 IST
Major Operation Against ISI-Linked Module
The special cell of the Delhi Police has launched a significant operation against a module allegedly connected to Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI, revealing a network that was plotting attacks on various sensitive locations in North India. According to investigative agencies, the module aimed to instill fear and cause extensive damage by targeting religious sites, security forces, and public areas.
Sources indicate that during interrogations of the nine arrested suspects, it was discovered that their hit list included a historic temple in Delhi, a popular dhaba on the Delhi-Sonipat highway, and a military camp located in Hisar, Haryana. Investigators also found that the accused had conducted reconnaissance on these sites, sending images and videos to their handlers in Pakistan.
Operation Gang Bust 2.0
According to the Delhi Police, this operation was part of 'Operation Gang Bust 2.0.' The extensive campaign lasted for 48 hours from Tuesday to Thursday, during which raids were conducted at 1,014 locations across Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. A total of 482 individuals were apprehended during this large-scale operation, which is part of a broader initiative against organized crime syndicates and Pakistan-supported networks.
Pramod Singh Kushwaha, the additional police commissioner of the special cell, stated that the primary objective was to apprehend criminals and their associates who were operating under the direction of gangster Shahzad Bhatti, based in Pakistan. Investigative agencies claim that Bhatti recruited youths and criminals through social media to engage in anti-national activities.
Targeting Sensitive Locations
Interrogations revealed that there was a plan to first shoot at police and paramilitary personnel stationed at the targeted historic temple before launching an attack within the temple premises to create chaos and panic. One suspect had conducted reconnaissance of the temple and sent images to operators based in Pakistan via social media.
Additionally, the investigation uncovered plans to target the well-known dhaba on the Delhi-Sonipat highway, a location frequented by thousands daily. Sources suggest that the module intended to carry out a grenade attack here to inflict significant casualties and spread fear among the public.
Military Camp and Other Targets
The military camp in Hisar was also on the module's radar. Allegations suggest that one member had conducted reconnaissance of the camp and sent videos to their Pakistani handlers. Investigators suspect that sensitive information related to military establishments was being relayed to operators across the border. Reports also indicate that some police personnel stationed at various police stations in Uttar Pradesh were included in the module's hit list.
During the operation, police seized a significant cache of weapons and other materials. Authorities reported the confiscation of 141 pistols, 212 cartridges, 89 knives, 24 vehicles, ₹1.9 million in cash, 31 mobile phones, 19 kilograms of narcotics, and 1,234 bottles of alcohol. The police stated that these weapons were intended for use in various criminal and anti-national activities.
Investigating the Network
Security agencies are now conducting an in-depth investigation into the inter-state and international connections of this entire network. Preliminary investigations have revealed aspects such as recruitment via social media, arms trafficking, and direct contacts with Pakistan. Officials assert that this operation has successfully neutralized a significant terrorist and criminal network in a timely manner. Let's take a look at what police officials are saying about this entire operation.