Jharkhand Link Emerges as Key Lead in Terror Network Investigation
New Delhi: In a major counter-terror operation, the Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested nine suspected terrorists allegedly linked to a Pakistan-based network involving operatives of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and members of the Mumbai underworld, according to media reports.
Officials said the suspects were allegedly plotting attacks on strategic installations and security personnel in Delhi, Mumbai, and several other major cities across India. The arrests were made following a coordinated intelligence-led operation after security agencies received specific inputs about a possible terror conspiracy.
According to investigators, the group was operating under instructions from handlers based across the border and had allegedly been assigned the task of carrying out targeted attacks aimed at spreading fear and destabilising security arrangements.
#WATCH | Delhi Police Special Cell arrests nine persons linked to a terror module allegedly associated with Dawood Ibrahim network and Pakistan’s ISI
Arms, hand grenades and explosives recovered; probe underway into funding channels, recruitment patterns, logistics support and… https://t.co/YNMLo6yhNd pic.twitter.com/ArgqDabAJw
— Argus News (@ArgusNews_in) May 30, 2026
During the operation, police reportedly seized a cache of arms, ammunition, and explosive materials from the accused. Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects were in regular contact with Pakistan-backed operatives and were receiving directions regarding potential targets and operational plans.
Sources told media outlets that the arrested individuals hail from multiple states, including Delhi, Maharashtra, and Punjab. Security agencies have also detained several foreign nationals for questioning in connection with the case, though officials have not disclosed their identities.
Multi-State Network Under Scanner
Investigators are now examining the extent of the alleged network, including its funding channels, recruitment methods, and possible links to organised crime syndicates. Security agencies believe the arrests may have prevented a coordinated attack with potentially serious consequences.
Officials are also probing whether the module had sleeper cells or logistical support networks operating in different parts of the country.
Sahibganj Arrest Provides Crucial Lead
A key breakthrough in the investigation reportedly came from Jharkhand’s Sahibganj district, where Delhi Police arrested Nitish Paswan, who is alleged to have been associated with the terror module.
According to investigators, Paswan’s arrest helped authorities unravel a wider network spread across several states. Agencies claim the module had links not only with Pakistan’s ISI but also with associates of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and Pakistan-based operative Shehzad Bhatti.
🚨आतंक के खिलाफ दिल्ली पुलिस का कड़ा प्रहार
🔹@CellDelhi की टीम ने बड़े आतंकी मॉड्यूल का भंडाफोड़ करते हुए 8 आतंकियों को गिरफ्तार किया है।
🔹पाकिस्तानी ख़ुफ़िया एजेंसी ISI के इशारे पर कर रहे थे साजिश, अंडरवर्ल्ड से रिश्तों पर भी जांच जारी।
🔹देश के महत्वपूर्ण सरकारी एवं… pic.twitter.com/PEbbPw2RGQ
— Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) May 30, 2026
Officials said the first breakthrough in the case came with the arrest of Vijay alias “Shooter” in Pune on May 14. During questioning, investigators reportedly obtained information about contacts operating in Jharkhand. Acting on these leads, a Special Cell team conducted a raid in Sahibganj on May 17 and arrested Nitish Paswan.
Speaking to the media, Special Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Anil Shukla said investigators found evidence suggesting that Nitish and Vijay were in contact and allegedly working for the same network. Information gathered from their interrogation subsequently helped investigators identify and track other suspected members of the module.
Authorities claim the intelligence generated from these arrests played a crucial role in exposing the broader network and led to a series of subsequent operations across multiple states. So far, eight other suspects have been arrested as part of the investigation.
Crackdown Amid Continuing Terror Threat
The latest operation comes amid heightened vigilance by security agencies following a series of anti-terror crackdowns across the country. Authorities have intensified surveillance and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to counter attempts by terror groups and hostile foreign elements to target India’s security infrastructure.
The Delhi Police Special Cell, which spearheaded the operation, is continuing its investigation to identify other individuals who may have been involved in the alleged conspiracy. Further arrests are not being ruled out as investigators analyse digital evidence, financial transactions, and communication records recovered during the raids.
Officials said the probe remains at a crucial stage, with agencies working to uncover the full scope of the suspected terror network and its cross-border connections.
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