Delhi Police probe links foiled terror plot to Dawood network operating from Karachi’s Clifton Road

The Special Cell of Delhi Police has uncovered fresh details about the alleged operational network of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim after busting a terror module that was allegedly preparing attacks in Delhi and Mumbai.

According to news agency IANS, investigators say the probe has once again brought Karachi’s Clifton Road area under the spotlight, with arrested suspects allegedly revealing that key instructions were routed through individuals operating from the locality long associated with Dawood Ibrahim and his close associates.

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The findings have emerged during the investigation into a module that police claim was being guided by operatives linked to the Dawood syndicate. Eight people have been arrested so far, and a large cache of weapons, including hand grenades, has been seized.

According to officials, the disclosures made by the accused indicate that communication was largely handled through Muddasar Hussain Sayyed, alias Munna Jhingada, a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim. Investigators believe the operation was being coordinated from the Clifton area of Karachi, which has for years figured in intelligence reports concerning the underworld don’s whereabouts.

Probe links Karachi base to terror planning

Officials involved in the investigation said the location of the alleged command structure is significant because Clifton has long been considered one of Dawood’s safest and most secure bases in Pakistan.

Sources familiar with the probe said Dawood is believed to have multiple residences in Karachi, including properties in Clifton, Noorbad, Defence Housing Authority, and the Berar Society area. However, investigators maintain that major operational decisions are often linked to the Clifton zone, particularly the area around Karachi’s Saudi Mosque.

Police officials said preliminary findings suggest that several close aides of Dawood continue to operate from the same neighbourhood, with criminal and terror-linked activities allegedly monitored from there.

ISI officials allegedly monitored operation

Investigators also claim that officials linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) played a role in planning and oversight.

According to police sources cited by IANS, Jhingada allegedly maintained regular contact with ISI operatives who provided instructions and monitored progress. The command centre, investigators claim, operated under heavy security and supervised various stages of the operation, including recruitment of local operatives and procurement of weapons.

The probe has further suggested that grenades and other arms intended for use in India were moved with logistical support from handlers based across the border.

Officials said one of the routes under scrutiny involves the alleged dropping of hand grenades in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district before they were to be moved further for operational use.

Delhi and Mumbai were primary targets, say investigators

Police believe Delhi and Mumbai were identified as the initial targets of the planned attacks. Investigators are examining whether additional cities would have been targeted if the first phase had succeeded.

During questioning, some of the accused allegedly claimed they had been assured financial rewards upon successful execution of the attacks. Investigators say the module had been promised around Rs 20 lakh.

Officials also said the suspects had sought assurances regarding their escape after carrying out the attacks. According to the investigation, they were allegedly told they would be moved through Nepal before being flown to Dubai.

The Special Cell continues to examine digital evidence, financial trails and cross-border links as part of the ongoing investigation.