NEW DELHI: Mumbai and Delhi were allegedly among the primary targets of a terror plot involving Pakistan’s ISI, underworld networks and foreign-based gangsters. Investigators claim that sensitive locations such as Siddhivinayak Temple, BARC, Tarapur Nuclear Power Plant, JJ Bridge, Dadar Market and several other strategic sites in Mumbai were under surveillance by the module.
According to security agencies, the network was planning attacks not only in Mumbai but also in Delhi, Punjab, Chandigarh and other cities. Eight suspects have been arrested so far, including two from Mumbai. Investigators allege that the Mumbai-based accused were in contact with notorious Pakistan-based D-Company gangster Munna Jhingada.
The operation began after intelligence inputs suggested that ISI handlers and underworld operatives were attempting to activate sleeper cells in India. A joint operation involving the Delhi Police Special Cell, Maharashtra ATS, NIA, Mumbai Police Intelligence Unit and central agencies led to a series of arrests.
The first arrest was made on May 14 when Vijay alias Shooter, a resident of Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh, was apprehended in Pune. Based on information obtained during interrogation, Nitish Paswan was arrested from Sahibganj in Jharkhand on May 17. The investigation later reached Mumbai, where Tauqeer Rizwan Ahmed Sheikh and Sajid Mehboob Sheikh alias Arbaaz Khan were arrested from Kurla on May 27.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full extent of the alleged network and its connections with handlers operating from Pakistan.
