Delhi Police Busts Pakistan-Backed Terror And Arms Smuggling Network; 7 Arrested

New Delhi: The Delhi Police Special Cell has cracked a major terror and criminal network backed by Pakistan. Seven people have been arrested. The network was running under the instructions of two Pakistan-based handlers - Shahzad Bhatti and his associate Ajmal Gujjar. The gang was smuggling illegal weapons, ammunition and narcotics from Pakistan into the Delhi-NCR region. Police also found that gang members were conducting reconnaissance of sensitive locations in Delhi and Ghaziabad and sending photos and videos of those spots to their handlers in Pakistan. Investigators say timely action stopped several planned terror attacks.

What police recovered?

The Special Cell recovered five pistols, 41 live cartridges, seven mobile phones and a Scorpio vehicle from the arrested accused. The weapons and narcotics were being brought in from Pakistan through Punjab, partly via drones, and then transported to Delhi-NCR for distribution.

How the network was cracked?

In May 2026 police got a tip that Shahzad Bhatti and Ajmal Gujjar were planning major criminal and terror incidents in Delhi-NCR. Acting on that information the Special Cell arrested one Mohit alias Yogi. Illegal weapons were found on him. His phone showed direct contact with the Pakistan-based handlers. That arrest opened up the entire network. More members were picked up as the investigation widened.

Young men lured through social media?

The gang did not recruit through traditional methods. They used social media to target young men. The pitch was about to earning quick money and the glamour of the criminal world. Once hooked, these recruits were put to work. Their jobs ranged from collecting drug and weapons consignments dropped via drones in Punjab, to transporting them into Delhi, to doing ground surveillance of potential targets. Some members were also involved in illegal money lending. Encrypted messaging apps were used to stay in touch with the Pakistan handlers and share reconnaissance material.

What they did to avoid detection?

The network used a dead-drop delivery system to move weapons and narcotics without direct contact between members. This made it harder for investigators to catch them in the act. Despite that, the Special Cell managed to map the entire operation and move against it.

Criminal records of the accused?

Several of the arrested men already had serious criminal cases against them. These include murder, attempted murder, robbery and violations of the Arms Act and the NDPS Act. This was not a network of first-time offenders. It was an organized structure with experienced criminals at the ground level and Pakistan-based handlers giving orders from above.

What about remaining accused?

The Delhi Police is now chasing absconding members of the network. Arms suppliers and financiers linked to the gang are also being tracked. The Special Cell has said more revelations are expected as the investigation goes deeper.