Delhi Police foil alleged terror plot linked to Dawood network and ISI, 9 arrested; arms and grenades seized

The Delhi Police Special Cell on Saturday busted an alleged terror module with suspected links to fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim’s network and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), arresting nine people and seizing a cache of arms, hand grenades and explosive materials, a report said on Saturday.

The operation is being seen as a significant counter-terror success as investigators believe the network was being prepared to carry out attacks on sensitive targets in the national capital. News agency ANI mentioned sources as saying that the accused were allegedly assigned targets that included critical installations, security personnel and prominent religious places in Delhi.

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Sources said the module had been developed over an extended period and was allegedly backed by handlers operating from across the border. Preliminary investigations have pointed to suspected links between the arrested individuals and Pakistan-backed operatives, as well as members associated with the Mumbai underworld network.

Among those arrested are individuals believed to be of Nepali origin who were allegedly part of the larger conspiracy, sources added.

The police recovered firearms, sophisticated explosive materials and multiple hand grenades during the operation. Officials believe the seizures helped avert an immediate threat to the city’s security.

Probe expands into funding and recruitment network

Investigators have now launched a wider probe to trace the module’s funding channels, recruitment methods and logistical support structure.

According to sources, agencies are examining the role of handlers, local facilitators and others who may have helped sustain the network. Investigators are also looking into how the accused allegedly communicated with their overseas contacts and whether additional operatives remain active.

Dawood network remains under scanner

The latest arrests come amid continuing efforts by Indian agencies to dismantle networks linked to Dawood Ibrahim’s syndicate.

Last month, Indian authorities secured the deportation of Mohammad Salim Dola, a senior associate of Dawood Ibrahim, from Turkey. Dola had been absconding since 2020 and was detained in Istanbul before being sent to India.

After his arrival in Delhi, a court granted the Narcotics Control Bureau transit remand to take him to Mumbai in connection with a 2023 narcotics case registered under the NDPS Act.

Investigators believe Dola played a key role in managing operations linked to the D-Company’s international drug trafficking network. His arrest followed investigations in Mumbai in which associates allegedly disclosed receiving instructions from him. The probe had also led to the seizure of more than 126 kilograms of mephedrone and over Rs 25 lakh in cash.

Officials expect the questioning of Dola to provide further insights into cross-border smuggling routes, hawala networks and the activities of alleged sleeper cells linked to organised crime syndicates operating in India.