Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh/New Delhi
India’s security agencies have achieved a major and historic breakthrough. The Special Cell of Delhi Police has busted an organized inter-state terror and espionage network that was operating under the directions of Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI and the banned terrorist outfit Babbar Khalsa International. A total of 11 accused have been arrested from Delhi and Punjab in this highly sensitive case. The timely operation has foiled a major terror attack conspiracy in the country.
Two Linked Operations Uncovered
The Special Cell carried out the crackdown through two separate but interconnected operations:
First Operation: Six accused (three from Punjab and three from Delhi) were arrested. The police recovered 9 solar-powered CCTV cameras, 3 foreign-made pistols, 1 country-made pistol, and 24 live cartridges from them.
Second Operation: Five more accused were arrested from Punjab. They were conducting reconnaissance of Indian Army and BSF camps, cantonments, and other security establishments. They used to capture photos and videos of military locations and send them to handlers in Pakistan via encrypted applications.
Live Feed to Pakistan via Solar CCTV Cameras
One of the most shocking revelations in the case is the use of high-tech espionage methods. The accused had installed solar-powered CCTV cameras in several sensitive locations, especially near military cantonments and security establishments. These cameras were equipped with SIM cards and connected to the internet, enabling real-time live footage of Indian Army movements and locations to be transmitted directly to Pakistan through mobile applications.
Arms Smuggling and Terror Funding Nexus
Police investigations have revealed that the network was also deeply involved in arms smuggling. The main accused, Manpreet Singh, confessed during interrogation that he had delivered 7 foreign-made pistols and 56 cartridges to various sleeper cells across India on instructions from Pakistan. Weapons were smuggled into India via drones and other routes, and the proceeds from their sale were used to fund terrorist activities.
Three-Tier Network Targeting Youth
The gang operated through a three-layered structure:
- Espionage: Conducting surveillance of security installations, capturing visuals, and transmitting live feeds to Pakistan.
- Arms Supply: Procuring and distributing weapons smuggled across the border.
- Recruitment & Radicalization: Luring unemployed and vulnerable youth with money, brainwashing them, and pushing them into terrorist activities.
Grenade Attack Plot Foiled
Senior Delhi Police officials stated that the sleeper cell was planning grenade attacks on key security installations in India. Had the module not been busted in time, it could have caused significant damage. The Special Cell is currently interrogating the accused in custody to uncover further details.