Security agencies have uncovered significant information during the interrogation of eight arrested terrorists linked to a network allegedly connected with Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI, gangster Shahzad Bhatti, and underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim. The arrests were made across Delhi, Mumbai, Rajasthan, and Punjab based on inputs from the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
During questioning, investigators claim it emerged that the ISI was reportedly angered by the portrayal of Dawood Ibrahim and Pakistan in the film Dhurandhar (parts one and two). This, according to sources, led to the formulation of a new alleged plan to target India.
Security officials say a fresh batch of operatives was being trained in Karachi with intentions of carrying out attacks in Delhi and Mumbai.
It has been alleged that Rs 20 lakh was demanded to carry out terror-related activities. One key figure, identified as Munna Jhingada, was reportedly assigned as the operational head of the module.
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During interrogation, the arrested individuals allegedly admitted that discussions were held regarding payments and logistics through this network.
According to Special Cell sources, Munna Jhingada was operating from a safe house allegedly under ISI protection near a five-star hotel in Karachi, located around four kilometres from the White House area.
He is said to have remained in regular contact with the arrested individuals through video calls and the Signal app, while coordinating activities and recruitment. Investigators also claim that a “new jihadi-style network” was being prepared involving elements of the underworld in India.
Reports suggest that heroin, weapons, and hand grenades were allegedly supplied via drone drops in Gurdaspur. Some of the arrested individuals were reportedly drug users, and investigators say narcotics were also used as part of the recruitment process.
Weapons and explosives recovered in Gurdaspur are being linked to this alleged supply chain.
Arrested Accused Under Interrogation
The arrested individuals include Vijay alias Shooter, Nitish Paswan, Tauqeer Rizwan, Sajid Mehboob Shaikh, Harvinder Singh, Gagandeep Singh, Manjeet Singh, and Ankamig Lama.
They are currently being questioned by multiple agencies, including the Special Cell. Their mobile phones reportedly revealed chats linked to Munna Jhingada, including discussions about payments, drugs, and logistics.
In one alleged chat, Munna is said to have told an associate, "Mashallah, come back after your work. I will then call you in Dubai via Nepal." In response, Tauqeer allegedly replied, "Sir, send me the chitta, or heroin, first, and we need 20 lakh rupees."
Who Is Munna Jhingada?
Munna Jhingada, aka Syed Mudassar Hussain, is a dreaded shooter accused of planning a major terrorist attack in India. He belongs to the Mumbai Jogeshwari area and has worked with Dawood and one of his close aides, Chhota Shakeel. Reports say that Jhingada was one of the most trusted shooters of Dawood. He was also instructed to kill gangster Arun Gawli.
Jhingada is aware of several of Dawood's secrets and knows a lot of information about ISI. In 1997, Dawood reportedly invited Jhingada to Pakistan via Nepal, following which he settled in Karachi and worked within the D-company network.
Later in 2000, Dawood sent Jhingada to Bangkok with a fake Pakistani passport and name. As per his fake identity, his name is Mohammed Salim. He was sent to the neighbouring country to kill Chhota Rajan. However, Rajan survived the attack while his close aide, Rohit Verma, died. Immediately after the attack, the Thai police arrested Jhingada.
Background of Mumbai Underworld Links
Munna’s family originally migrated from Uttar Pradesh to Mumbai’s Jogeshwari area decades ago. His criminal history reportedly began in the 1990s following a murder conviction, after which he became linked with underworld networks.
Film Reference: Dhurandhar
The film Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh, reportedly depicts an Indian spy infiltrating terror networks and eliminating several operatives before returning safely.
It also shows fictionalised elements involving Dawood Ibrahim being treated in a hospital after an operation linked to an Indian intelligence mission.