Jagran correspondent, New Delhi: In a major terror bust, the Special Cell of the Delhi Police has arrested six terror suspects from Delhi and Amritsar for allegedly being part of a module linked to Pakistan-based gangster-terror operative Shahzad Bhatti.

According to investigators, two of the accused identified as Danish and Salman, residents of Khatauli in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district were allegedly directed by their Pakistani handler to carry out a petrol bomb attack on a sensitive government installation or a police station in Delhi. They were also instructed to record the attack and send the footage to Pakistan for dissemination on social media.

Three other suspects arrested from the Kalindi Kunj area were allegedly tasked with assisting the duo. Police said Danish and Salman had each agreed to execute their roles for Rs 20,000, with a total promised payment of Rs 40,000.

Danish Allegedly Assigned To Execute Attack

According to the investigation, Danish and Salman arrived in Delhi on Sunday evening on a stolen motorcycle, carrying three petrol bombs concealed in a bag.

Police said Danish was assigned to throw a petrol bomb at an important government establishment or a police station in the early hours of Monday, while Salman was responsible for recording the attack on his mobile phone.

Investigators alleged that the video was to be sent to their Pakistani handler, who planned to circulate it on social media to spread fear and panic. However, the Special Cell arrested both suspects late Sunday night before the alleged plot could be carried out. Their interrogation subsequently led investigators to three more accused, who were arrested near Vijay Ghat.

Contact Made Through Instagram

During questioning, investigators found that Danish and Salman had allegedly come into contact with Pakistani handler Rana Hunain through Instagram several months ago. Police believe Rana Hunain is associated with the ISI and is a close aide of gangster Shahzad Bhatti.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Praveen Kumar Tripathi said the investigation has uncovered a network extending from Pakistan to Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

According to police, Danish first connected with Rana Hunain via Instagram in April this year. He was allegedly assigned to conduct reconnaissance of potential targets in Delhi and execute the petrol bomb attack. Investigators said he remained in regular contact with his handler, who provided operational instructions over phone calls and allegedly promised him Rs 20,000 upon completion of the mission.

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Salman Allegedly Tasked With Filming Terror Attack

Salman, described by police as a close associate of Danish, was allegedly assigned to record the attack on his mobile phone. Investigators said he too had been promised Rs 20,000 for his role.

The investigation also uncovered alleged links between the module and a cross-border weapons smuggling network involving firearms dropped into India by drones from Pakistan.

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Another accused, Tayyab, allegedly established contact with Pakistani handler Hasan Gujjar through Instagram. Police claim Hasan instructed him to build a network for the transportation and sale of illegally smuggled weapons within India.

Alleged Weapons Smuggling Network

Investigators said Zubair Khan, an associate of Tayyab, travelled to Amritsar and stayed at the residence of Malkit Singh, who is alleged to be an operative working for the Pakistani handler. During his stay, Zubair allegedly received a consignment of pistols and ammunition.

According to police, Malkit Singh was responsible for collecting weapons dropped by drones from Pakistan into Punjab and passing them on to couriers such as Zubair for further distribution.

Ali Fazal, Tayyab's brother-in-law, allegedly handled the sale of these Pakistan-supplied weapons to buyers in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

Police said Ali Fazal has a criminal record. Last year, the Uttar Pradesh Police registered a case against him under the Arms Act.

Social Media Used for Recruitment

According to the Special Cell, Pakistani handlers are increasingly using social media platforms, particularly Instagram, to recruit young men by offering relatively small sums of money and drawing them into terror-related activities.

Police said the timely arrests prevented what could have been a major terrorist attack in the national capital. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are working to identify additional members and associates of the alleged network.