Delhi Police Special Cell Busts Pakistan-Based Terror Module, Arrests Key Operative
In a significant counterterrorism operation, the Delhi Police Special Cell has apprehended a key operative associated with a Pakistan-based terrorist network and dismantled a dangerous module actively recruiting Indian youths through social media platforms. The arrest has exposed a structured terror syndicate operating remotely from Pakistan, targeting vulnerable individuals across India.
Details of the Arrest and Accused
The accused has been identified as Harmandeep Singh alias Harman, an 18-year-old resident of Rampur in Uttar Pradesh. He was taken into custody following discreet surveillance on Pakistan-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti and his foreign-based network. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Narra Chaitanya stated that the module was luring youths with promises of money, recognition, and a lavish lifestyle to groom them for activities ranging from propaganda to terror attacks.
Evidence and Recoveries
During the arrest, police recovered incriminating evidence from Harman's possession, including:
- A black spray paint bottle used for painting graffiti at public places.
- A mobile phone containing chats, photos, and videos linked to Pakistan-based handlers.
Investigations revealed that Harman was in regular contact with Bhatti and his associates via multiple social media platforms. His phone allegedly stored detailed communications outlining assigned tasks and proof of completed activities.
Module's Modus Operandi and Activities
Police outlined a well-defined modus operandi employed by the terror module:
- Recruitment: Pakistani handlers, including Bhatti, identified potential recruits by analyzing their social media activity.
- Induction: Selected individuals were gradually brought into the network and assigned tasks in phases.
- Initial Tasks: Low-risk assignments such as logistics, money transfers, reconnaissance of sensitive locations, and painting graffiti to spread fear.
- Escalation: After assessing commitment, handlers would escalate roles to more serious acts like grenade attacks or firing incidents.
Harman confessed to painting graffiti at three locations in Talwara, Punjab's Hoshiarpur district, and sharing images with handlers as proof. He also claimed involvement in a firing incident at Kashmiri Gate in Delhi, with a Pakistan-based associate publicly claiming responsibility on social media.
Background and Motivations
During interrogation, Harman disclosed that he discontinued his studies early and became active on social media. Influenced by posts glorifying gangster lifestyles, he developed an inclination toward joining such networks. After leaving home, he connected with criminal elements and eventually established links with Bhatti's network through intermediaries. He was promised financial rewards and assistance in relocating abroad, including to Dubai, upon successful task execution.
Expansion Plans and Thwarted Attacks
Further investigation revealed that Harman was instructed to expand the network by recruiting others. He had attempted to recruit a friend from Rampur and was guided to carry out similar graffiti activities in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Alarmingly, discussions were held with handlers about planning a grenade attack at a police chowki in Rampur, with assurances of explosives supply via drone routes from Punjab.
The timely arrest has effectively thwarted these plans and prevented potential terror attacks. Delhi Police emphasized that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the network, underscoring the critical role of surveillance and intelligence in counterterrorism operations.
