In a significant breakthrough, the Delhi Police's Special Cell has claimed to have dismantled a sophisticated terror-gangster module that was being orchestrated from across the border. The operation, led by Pakistan-based operative Shehzad Bhatti, was allegedly plotting a grenade attack and targeting Anmol Bishnoi, the brother of incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who was recently deported from the United States.
The Arrests and Key Accused
The police have arrested three individuals in connection with the module. They have been identified as Asif (22), Hargunpreet Singh (19), and Vikas Prajapati (19). According to Additional CP Pramod Kushwaha, the crackdown was initiated after authorities mounted discreet surveillance on communications being made by the mastermind, Shehzad Bhatti, which ultimately led to the trio's capture.
How The Module Operated
The investigation unveiled a disturbing pattern of online radicalization and recruitment. Asif was recruited by Bhatti approximately two and a half months ago through Instagram. Lured by the promise of financial gain, Asif was instructed to execute a grenade attack in Punjab. Bhatti provided him with photographs and a detailed location map to facilitate the planned assault.
Bhatti also connected Asif with another accused, Vikas Prajapati. Asif informed the police that he was directed to remain on standby, awaiting further instructions from his Pakistan-based handler.
In a similar vein, Hargunpreet Singh was introduced to Shehzad Bhatti through a mutual friend. Enticed by the prospect of quick money, Singh agreed to carry out an attack on the Gurdaspur police station. The police revealed that Singh and his associates traveled to Gurdaspur, where they received arms and a grenade from Vikas Prajapati.
On November 25, Hargunpreet Singh allegedly threw the grenade outside the Gurdaspur police station while an accomplice drove the getaway motorcycle.
The Handler's Cunning Tactics
The probe further established that Vikas Prajapati, who was already wanted in an arms-smuggling case, was in frequent contact with Bhatti using various social media platforms. His location was traced to Gurdaspur. A senior police officer noted that Bhatti regularly instructed Prajapati to switch off his phone as a safety precaution. Despite these measures, Prajapati was eventually apprehended in Madhya Pradesh.
Police officials stated that Bhatti and his associates specifically targeted young and vulnerable individuals on social media. They scrutinized profiles, lured potential recruits with monetary offers, and then remotely coordinated the entire operation. This included planning reconnaissance, arranging cash payments, managing logistics, and finalizing target selection.
A Structured Foreign-Controlled Terror Syndicate
Interrogation of the accused revealed that the syndicate functioned as a highly structured, foreign-controlled terror module. It relied on a simple yet effective model: financial inducements, remote direction from Pakistan, and the use of disposable foot soldiers to carry out dangerous grenade attacks in public places across India.
As evidence, the police have recovered a semi-automatic pistol and ten live cartridges. The mobile phones of the accused contain incriminating chats with Shehzad Bhatti and other members of the overseas module, solidifying the case against them.
