Delhi police bust alleged ISI-linked module, probe reveals temple and military camp targets
Security agencies in New Delhi intensified anti-terror operations after the Delhi Police Special Cell uncovered an alleged module linked to Pakistan’s intelligence network. Investigators now say the group planned attacks on a historic temple in Delhi, a crowded highway eatery near Sonipat and a military installation in Hisar.
The revelations surfaced during the interrogation of nine accused whom the Special Cell arrested earlier this week from Delhi and several other states. Officers also recovered weapons and suspicious materials during coordinated raids linked to the operation.
According to investigators, the alleged module operated under instructions from handlers connected to Pakistan-based operative Shahzad Bhatti. Police sources said the accused conducted reconnaissance missions at sensitive locations and shared photographs and videos with handlers across the border.
One of the primary targets reportedly included a historic temple in Delhi that attracts large crowds every day. Investigators believe one accused visited the site several times and secretly captured visuals of entry points, security deployment and movement patterns around the temple complex.
Sources said the group planned to attack police and paramilitary personnel stationed near the shrine before launching violence inside the religious premises. Investigators suspect the accused aimed to trigger panic and communal tension through a high-profile strike in the national capital.
Meanwhile, police also uncovered plans linked to a popular dhaba along the Delhi-Sonipat highway. The eatery draws thousands of travellers, truck drivers and families each day, especially during evening hours. Investigators believe the group planned a grenade attack at the location to create maximum casualties and fear among civilians.
On the ground, residents and shopkeepers around major religious and highway locations expressed concern after news of the alleged conspiracy surfaced. Vendors near temple areas in Delhi said security checks increased sharply after the arrests. Commuters on the highway also noticed stronger police presence and vehicle inspections late into the night.
Security agencies further revealed that the accused allegedly surveyed a military camp in Hisar. Investigators said one operative recorded videos around the camp and forwarded the footage to Pakistan-based handlers. Officials suspect the group wanted to collect detailed information about troop movement and security arrangements before planning an attack.
The probe also expanded into Uttar Pradesh after investigators found alleged plans to target police personnel posted at selected police stations. Agencies now coordinate with state police units to examine possible sleeper networks and logistical support linked to the module.
The arrests come at a time when security agencies across northern India remain on high alert over attempts to revive cross-border terror modules through local recruits. Investigators believe such groups increasingly rely on encrypted communication, temporary hideouts and digital transfers to avoid detection.
Senior officers now continue to question the accused to identify funding channels, local contacts and possible links with other networks operating across states. Forensic teams also examine electronic devices and recovered documents seized during the raids.
While the investigation continues, security deployment has increased around religious sites, transit routes and military locations in several cities. Officials say the operation helped prevent potential attacks that could have caused heavy casualties and widespread panic.
For now, police maintain that the probe remains active and further arrests may follow in the coming days as investigators trace the wider network behind the alleged conspiracy.
