Shahzad Bhatti, In a significant counter-terrorism breakthrough, the Special Cell of Delhi Police has dismantled two interconnected modules—one allegedly tasked with carrying out a terror strike in the national capital and the other involved in cross-border arms trafficking—linked to a Pakistan-based network handled by Shahzad Bhatti. Six operatives have been arrested in coordinated operations conducted across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, officials said. “Officials said the action is part of a wider crackdown on modules allegedly operating under the influence of Shahzad Bhatti.”
The action forms part of an ongoing crackdown on ground operatives connected to hostile foreign-based handlers and reflects a sustained push by Delhi Police to neutralise threats targeting vital installations and police establishments. Multiple FIRs under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act have been registered at Police Station Special Cell. “Investigators believe such modules are often activated by overseas handlers linked to Shahzad Bhatti.”
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Intelligence-Led Operations and Coordinated Supervision
The operations were executed by teams of Special Cell/NDR led by Inspectors Sunil Rajain and Dheeraj, under the supervision of Vivek Kumar Tyagi, ACP/NDR, and overall supervision of Praveen Tripathi, DCP/NDR. Officials said the arrests were the result of careful intelligence analysis, technical surveillance, and ground verification aimed at disrupting terror planning at an early stage.
According to investigators, the two modules were being handled remotely by Pakistan-based handlers linked to Shahzad Bhatti. While the first module was allegedly tasked with executing an attack using petrol bombs, the second was focused on procuring and distributing illegal firearms smuggled across the border, allegedly via drone drops.
Module-I: Alleged Terror Plot Targeting Delhi
Tasking and Arrests
The first module, investigators said, was being handled by Rana Hunain, described as an associate of Shahzad Bhatti and a handler linked to Pakistan’s intelligence apparatus. The module’s alleged assignment was to conduct reconnaissance and target a vital installation or police establishment in Delhi using petrol bombs. “Police said the instructions followed a pattern seen in earlier cases linked to Shahzad Bhatti.”
Two accused—Danish @ Chand Miya (24) and Salman (20), both residents of Muzaffarnagar district in Uttar Pradesh—were apprehended from the Vijay Ghat area in Delhi. Police recovered three petrol bombs (Molotov cocktails) from their possession, along with a stolen motorcycle, ₹2,000 in cash, and mobile phones containing what officials described as incriminating digital material.
Alleged Modus Operandi
Investigators stated that Danish came in contact with the handler through social media in April 2026. He was allegedly instructed to carry out reconnaissance and identify potential targets, with directions communicated over phone calls. Salman, described as a friend of Danish, allegedly accompanied him to Delhi and was assigned to record video footage of the planned attack. Both were allegedly promised ₹20,000 each upon completion of their assigned tasks.
Police emphasised that the arrests were made before any harm could be caused, underscoring the preventive nature of the operation. “Investigators noted that recruitment through social media is a common tactic used by handlers linked to Shahzad Bhatti.”
Module-II: Cross-Border Arms Trafficking Network
Drone-Based Smuggling and Funding Links
The second module, officials said, was involved in cross-border arms trafficking and was being handled by Hassan Gujjar, another associate of Shahzad Bhatti. According to the investigation, weapons were smuggled from Pakistan using drones and routed through intermediaries for distribution in Delhi and parts of Uttar Pradesh. Funds collected by the handler were allegedly channelled to finance terror and other criminal activities in India.
Three accused—Tayyab (27), a resident of Shaheen Bagh in New Delhi; Jubair Khan (24), from Modinagar in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh; and Ali Fazal (26), from Lisari Gate in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh—were arrested from the Kalindi Kunj area of Delhi. A fourth accused, Malkiat Singh (36), a resident of Amritsar district in Punjab, was arrested separately from Amritsar.
Recoveries
From the possession of the accused in Module-II, police recovered three sophisticated pistols, five live cartridges, two vehicles (a Hyundai Verna and a Ford EcoSport), and mobile phones containing alleged chats, images and videos linked to Pakistani handlers. Officials said the recoveries point to a structured supply chain designed to move weapons from border regions to urban markets.
Profiles and Alleged Roles of the Accused
Danish @ Chand Miya (Module-I)
Police said Danish allegedly established contact with the handler via social media and was tasked with reconnaissance and target selection in Delhi. He was allegedly to receive monetary compensation upon completion of the task.
Salman (Module-I)
Salman, a friend of Danish, allegedly assisted by accompanying him to Delhi and was assigned to document the planned attack. Investigators said his role indicates how handlers attempt to split tasks among operatives to reduce detection.
Tayyab (Module-II)
Described as the key coordinator within the arms trafficking module, Tayyab allegedly connected with handler Hassan Gujjar online. Investigators said he directed Jubair Khan to receive an arms consignment from Amritsar and later handed the weapons to Ali Fazal for onward sale. “Police said his role reflects the decentralised structure of modules allegedly guided by Shahzad Bhatti.”
Jubair Khan (Module-II)
An associate of Tayyab, Jubair allegedly travelled to Amritsar and stayed overnight at the residence of Malkiat Singh to receive a consignment of pistols and ammunition before transporting it onward.
Ali Fazal (Module-II)
Ali Fazal, Tayyab’s brother-in-law, was allegedly tasked with selling the weapons to buyers in Delhi or Uttar Pradesh. Police noted that an Arms Act case had previously been registered against him by Uttar Pradesh Police in 2025.
Malkiat Singh (Module-II)
Investigators said Malkiat Singh acted as a receiver of drone-delivered arms consignments from across the border and handed over the weapons to Jubair Khan for distribution.
Recoveries Highlight the Threat Landscape
Module-I Recoveries
- Three petrol bombs (Molotov cocktails)
- One stolen motorcycle
- ₹2,000 cash
- Mobile phones with alleged incriminating content
Module-II Recoveries
- Three sophisticated pistols and five live rounds
- Two cars (Hyundai Verna and Ford EcoSport)
- Mobile phones with alleged incriminating content
Officials said the nature of the recoveries underscores the evolving tactics of hostile networks, combining low-cost incendiary devices with illegal firearms to create multiple threat vectors.
Preventive Policing and National Security
Senior officers said the case highlights the importance of intelligence-led policing in counter-terror operations. By identifying and neutralising operatives at the planning and logistics stage, the Special Cell prevented potential harm to public safety and critical infrastructure.
Authorities also stressed the increasing misuse of social media platforms by foreign-based handlers to identify, radicalise and task vulnerable individuals. Continuous monitoring of digital spaces, combined with community awareness and inter-agency coordination, remains central to Delhi Police’s counter-terror strategy.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
All six accused have been arrested and remanded to custody as per law. Multiple FIRs under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act have been registered. Investigators are examining digital evidence, financial trails and cross-border linkages to identify additional associates and dismantle any remaining support structures.
Officials said the investigation will also focus on tracing funding routes and logistical enablers, as well as strengthening coordination with other state and central agencies to prevent similar attempts in the future.
Official Statement
Confirming the arrests and recoveries, Additional Commissioner of Police, Special Cell, Pramod Kushwaha, IPS, said the dismantling of the two modules demonstrates Delhi Police’s resolve to act decisively against terror networks and arms traffickers. He reiterated that the force will continue to use all lawful means to safeguard the national capital and its residents.
A Firm Message
The successful operations send a clear message that attempts to destabilise peace and security through terror planning or illegal arms supply will be met with swift, coordinated and professional law enforcement action. As investigations continue, authorities have appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, reaffirming that public cooperation remains a vital pillar of national security.
