UP Man Arrested for Graffiti in Punjab, Tied to Pakistan-Based Terror Network
In a significant breakthrough, Delhi Police has arrested a man from Uttar Pradesh for executing graffiti marked "TTH" at multiple locations in Talwara, Hoshiarpur, Punjab, linking him to a Pakistan-based terror network orchestrated by gangster Shahzad Bhatti. The accused, identified as Harmandeep Singh alias Harman, hails from Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, and was apprehended following a detailed surveillance operation targeting handlers suspected of planning terror activities in India.
Communication and Evidence Uncovered
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Narra Chaitanya revealed that Harman had been in direct communication with Shahzad Bhatti and his foreign associates through social media platforms. During the operation, police seized his mobile phone and recovered incriminating chats, along with photos and videos related to the activities of the terror module. This evidence provided crucial insights into the network's operations and Harman's role within it.
Broader Terror Network and Recruitment Tactics
According to police officials, the terror network operates through a structured system managed remotely by handlers in Pakistan. Young individuals in India are reportedly targeted via social media, enticed by promises of money, influence, and a lavish lifestyle. Recruits are initially assigned low-risk tasks such as reconnaissance, logistics, and graffiti before being groomed for more violent actions, including grenade attacks and shootings.
Harman's Activities and Further Investigations
Further investigations uncovered Harman's connection to a firing incident at Kashmiri Gate in Delhi, which his associates allegedly claimed responsibility for, with one of Bhatti's Pakistan-based associates boasting about it on social media. During questioning, Harman admitted to being instructed to recruit others for similar graffiti activities in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, and to record and share videos as proof of compliance. He was also in touch with other operatives, including an India-based accomplice named Anas, who assisted with logistics.
Planned Attacks and Arrest Impact
Police stated that Harman had been recently directed to conduct additional graffiti campaigns and was reportedly being groomed for a grenade attack on a police outpost in Rampur. However, his arrest has effectively thwarted these plans, preventing potential violence. The handlers had promised recruits financial incentives and even relocation abroad upon successful completion of tasks, highlighting the network's sophisticated recruitment strategies.
This case underscores the ongoing efforts by Indian authorities to combat cross-border terror threats and disrupt networks that exploit social media for radicalization and criminal activities. The arrest serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to safeguard national security against such covert operations.
