In a significant counter-terrorism operation, the Ludhiana district police have successfully dismantled a Pakistan-based terror network that was systematically exploiting India's most vulnerable citizens. The investigation revealed that the cell, operating under the guidance of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), was recruiting drug addicts and impoverished individuals, offering them meager sums of money and small quantities of heroin to carry out hand-grenade attacks.
Exploiting Desperation: The ISI's Low-Cost Terror Strategy
Five suspects from a multi-state gangster-terror module are now in custody following a police operation that involved an encounter. The arrested individuals have been identified as Deepak ‘Deepu’, Ram Lal from Rajasthan, Shamsher Singh from Ferozepur, Harsh Ojha from Bihar, and Ajay from Haryana. Authorities made a significant weapons recovery from the group, including two Chinese hand grenades, five sophisticated .30-bore pistols, and more than 40 rounds of ammunition.
The case of Ferozepur resident Shamsher Singh perfectly illustrates the handler's predatory recruitment strategy. A known drug addict facing multiple drug-peddling charges, Shamsher was first contacted by Pakistan-based ISI handler Jasvir alias Chaudhary on November 20. A senior police official confirmed the shockingly low payment offered, stating, "Shamsher is a drug addict and needed money, too. Within a month, the ISI handler convinced him to execute a terror attack for which Shamsher got only a few grams of heroin for his consumption and about ₹12,000 cash."
Operational Details and Digital Footprint
Police analysis of the arrested men's mobile phones revealed that communication between the ISI handler and the accused occurred primarily via WhatsApp, using virtual numbers to mask their identities and maintain operational security. The handler provided instructional videos demonstrating how to detonate hand grenades effectively. Investigators also found videos of planned target locations on the devices, which the accused had sent after conducting reconnaissance missions.
Despite being directed to pick up explosives and firearms from a border area with the initial task of executing a terror attack, Shamsher Singh ultimately backed out due to fear. This hesitation prompted the ISI handler to approach the other accused, including Harsh Ojha and the two men from Rajasthan, to complete the plot before police intervention thwarted their plans.
Ongoing Threat and Police Response
Police officials have issued a stern warning that the handler's network remains active and dangerous. Another official disclosed that the ISI network is believed to be in touch with approximately 30 other individuals who could potentially be used for future terror attacks or smuggling operations involving weapons and drugs. Security forces are actively attempting to track these contacts to prevent further radicalization and recruitment.
This case exposes how Pakistan's intelligence agency has weaponized desperation, turning vulnerability into currency for their low-cost war strategy against India. The Ludhiana police operation has not only prevented potential tragedy but has also revealed the disturbing tactics employed by cross-border actors to destabilize the region.
