2 ISI-Linked Operatives Arrested For Planning Grenade Attacks Across Delhi-NCR

Just a day ahead of the Pulwama Attack Anniversary, Delhi police special cell arrested two young men linked to ISI who were allegedly part of a larger conspiracy to carry out violent attacks across Delhi NCR region.

Officials believe that the arrests have helped prevent planned incidents such as firing, grenade attacks, and targeted killings that could have posed a serious threat to public safety.

Links to Pakistan-Based Handler Emerge

According to the police, the accused were working under the direction of Shahzad Bhatti, a Pakistan-based gangster believed to have links with the ISI. Investigators say Bhatti and his associates were actively recruiting young individuals in India through social media platforms, gradually pulling them into a network designed to execute violent activities.

The two arrested individuals, Rajveer (21) and Vivek Banjara (19), both from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, were reportedly among those recruited. Officials say they were initially lured with small financial incentives and promises of easy money, before being assigned more serious tasks.

Timely Arrests Prevent Planned Attacks

The police revealed that the accused were in advanced stages of planning attacks in Delhi-NCR. Rajveer, in particular, was allegedly preparing to target a prominent hotel in the region when he was arrested. Authorities recovered a pistol and live cartridges from his possession, along with mobile phones that contained videos and voice messages linked to the conspiracy.

Officials believe that these materials provide crucial evidence of the planning and coordination behind the intended attacks. The recovery of such items suggests that the accused were not just loosely involved but had already begun preparing for execution.

Investigation Began After Intelligence Inputs

The case was registered on March 31 after intelligence agencies received inputs about a possible plot involving grenade attacks and targeted killings. Acting on these inputs, the Special Cell launched a coordinated operation to track down those involved.

Vivek Banjara was first arrested from Dabra in Gwalior on April 16. During questioning, he provided key information about his associate Rajveer, which led to Rajveer's arrest from the Sarai Kale Khan area in Delhi on April 18. Police officials said that the quick action and coordinated effort helped in preventing the situation from escalating further.

Roles of the Accused in the Network

During the investigation, it emerged that Rajveer played a central role in the conspiracy. He was allegedly responsible for coordinating movements, arranging weapons, and carrying out instructions given by handlers.

Police say he was in direct contact with an associate of Bhatti known as "Rana Bhai," who assigned him operational responsibilities.

Vivek Banjara, on the other hand, was brought into the network by Rajveer. His role was more focused on logistics and support.

Investigators say he assisted in arranging travel, collecting weapons, and conducting reconnaissance. He was also reportedly tasked with documenting activities, which indicates a structured and organised approach within the network.

Travel, Weapons and Financial Trail

The investigation has also revealed a pattern of movement and financial support provided to the accused. In March, Vivek was sent to Ahmedabad to collect weapons, although the delivery did not take place. He was given a small amount of money for his expenses during this trip.

Later, on April 9, both accused travelled to Amritsar, where they allegedly received a pistol, multiple rounds of ammunition, and cash. From there, they were instructed to carry out a firing incident at a club in Zirakpur, Punjab, which had reportedly been targeted for extortion.

This sequence of events indicates that the network was actively testing and deploying recruits for criminal operations across different locations.

Larger Network Under Scanner

Police officials believe that this case is just one part of a much bigger network operating with cross-border links. The use of social media for recruitment and the involvement of young individuals highlight a growing concern for security agencies.

Investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the network, including handlers and possible local contacts. Authorities are also examining digital evidence to trace communication channels and uncover the full scale of the conspiracy.