Pak-linked terror module busted, 18-year-old operative held

The Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested an 18-year-old man and busted a Pakistan-linked terror module that was recruiting and grooming Indian youths through social media for activities ranging from propaganda to planned attacks, officials said on Monday.

The accused, identified as Harmandeep Singh alias Harman, a resident of Rampur in Uttar Pradesh, was apprehended following sustained surveillance on Pakistan-based gangster-turned-terrorist Shahzad Bhatti and his network. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Narra Chaitanya said the arrest has exposed a structured terror syndicate being operated remotely from Pakistan. “Handlers were targeting vulnerable youth in India and luring them with promises of money, recognition, and a lavish lifestyle,” he said.

Police said the operation was carried out by a team of the Special Cell’s Eastern Range. The team had been tracking Bhatti’s activities and contacts for some time. During surveillance, Harman emerged as a key operative who was in regular contact with foreign-based handlers through multiple social media platforms.

Investigators said Harman’s mobile phone contained incriminating chats with Bhatti and his associates, along with photos and videos of activities carried out on their instructions. A black spray paint bottle used for graffiti was also recovered from his possession.

According to police, the module followed a clear and layered strategy. Recruits were first identified based on their social media profiles. They were then gradually inducted and assigned tasks in phases. Initial assignments were low-risk, such as arranging logistics, transferring money, conducting reconnaissance, and spreading propaganda through graffiti.

“As part of his assigned tasks, Harman was instructed to paint graffiti at public places to spread fear and attract attention,” an officer said. Acting on these directions, he allegedly painted “TTH” graffiti at three locations in Talwara in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district and shared images and videos with his handlers as proof.

Police said Harman had also attempted to recruit others. He allegedly tried to motivate a friend from Rampur to join the network and carry out similar activities.

During interrogation, it emerged that the accused had discontinued his education early and later became active on social media. Influenced by posts showcasing the lifestyle of gangsters, he developed an inclination towards such networks. His background revealed a troubled upbringing. Harman was born in Rampur and had a difficult family environment. In 2023, after an altercation at home, he left and travelled to Amritsar, where he came into contact with individuals linked to criminal gangs. This eventually led him to establish links with Bhatti’s network through intermediaries.

Police said Harman came in contact with one Dheeraj alias Dhiru, who had earlier been arrested in a grenade attack case in Haryana’s Sirsa. Through such connections, Harman was introduced to Bhatti and other Pakistan-based handlers.

The accused was promised financial rewards and assistance in relocating abroad, including to Dubai, if he successfully completed assigned tasks. Investigators said handlers also assured him that arms and explosives would be supplied through cross-border networks, including drone routes from Punjab.

Police further revealed that Harman and his handlers had discussed plans to carry out a grenade attack at a police chowki in Rampur. The plan included the supply of explosives through conduits operating from Punjab.

The probe also linked the module to a firing incident in the Kashmiri Gate area of Delhi. Harman claimed that his associates were involved in the incident, and a Pakistan-based associate had publicly claimed responsibility for planning it on social media.

Officials said the timely arrest of the accused has thwarted potential terror attacks and disrupted a larger network operating across regions.

“This was a structured, foreign-controlled module using social media, money, and remote instructions to carry out activities in India,” a senior officer said. Further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend other members of the network, police added.