Security agencies in the Delhi-NCR region have busted a major Pakistan-backed international terror and criminal network that was allegedly using social media and encrypted platforms to recruit youths and plan serious attacks in the region.
Social Media Recruitment Exposed
Investigations revealed that the module was being operated from Pakistan by gangster-turned-terrorist Shahzad Bhatti along with his associate Ajmal Gujjar, who were allegedly influencing Indian youths through encrypted messaging applications and pushing them towards arms trafficking and criminal activities.
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According to police, individuals were contacted through social media platforms and lured with promises of easy money, quick earnings, and fast recognition in the criminal world. Through this network, weapons and narcotics were reportedly being transported into Delhi-NCR via drones through Punjab routes.
Seven Accused Arrested
During the crackdown, seven accused were arrested, including Anas Tyagi, Mohit Yogi, Deepak Agrola, Arif, Karanveer Singh, Jatan, and Sabir. Authorities recovered five semi-automatic pistols, 41 live cartridges, seven mobile phones, and one Scorpio vehicle during the operation.
Officials said the accused used encrypted communication platforms to share reconnaissance inputs, target identification, and sensitive location details with handlers based in Pakistan, allegedly for planning potential attacks.
Police added that the network was not only involved in arms and drug supply but was also actively radicalising youths and pushing them towards extremist and criminal activities.
Encrypted Apps Under Probe
All accused are currently being interrogated, while security agencies are probing whether more domestic or international links are active within the module.
Following the operation, security arrangements across Delhi-NCR have been tightened, with enhanced surveillance in sensitive and crowded locations.
Investigating agencies stated that the entire network functioned in a highly digital manner, beginning with casual social media interactions and gradually shifting recruits into encrypted groups where they were exposed to covert activities.
Security experts noted that such networks are not limited to criminal activity alone but can also be part of broader strategies aimed at creating fear, instability, and disruption in society.
Digital Evidence Being Examined
Authorities have urged citizens to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a government official and to immediately report suspicious behaviour to law enforcement agencies.
Officials further stated that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts underway to trace additional associates and determine the full extent of foreign involvement in the network.
Security agencies have strengthened surveillance and technical monitoring systems across the region to prevent any potential threats at an early stage.
They also emphasized that digital platforms enabling such modules are under continuous monitoring, and international cooperation may be expanded to dismantle similar networks in the future.
Locally, the exposure of the module created brief panic and discussion among residents, though the situation returned to normal following the arrests.
Police highlighted that public vigilance and timely reporting play a crucial role in preventing major crimes of this nature.
The case is being seen as part of a growing trend of cyber-terror-crime convergence, where technology is being misused to activate cross-border local networks.
Investigations are ongoing, focusing on digital evidence, chat records, and financial transactions to fully map the structure of the network and prevent any future attempts of similar operations.
