The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) conducted searches at multiple locations across the state on Friday in connection with an ongoing probe into alleged social media links between individuals and Pakistan-based ISI handler Shahzad Bhatti.
The ATS stated that raids were conducted at multiple places such as Mumbai, Thane, Kurla, Bandra, Jogeshwari, Navi Mumbai, Mira Road, Bhayandar, Sangli, Satara and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The probe agency said that the move was in relation to persons who had maintained communication with Bhatti on various social media sites.
The operation in Maharashtra was launched after the Delhi Police Special Cell on Wednesday busted two modules associated with Bhatti and arrested six operatives from Delhi and Punjab.
Alleged Plot To Carry Out Petrol Bomb Attacks In Delhi
According to Jagran.com, citing sources, questioning of the arrested suspects revealed an alleged plan to carry out petrol bomb attacks at strategic locations in Delhi on Bhatti’s instructions.
Investigators also claimed that the accused had surveyed various sites such as New Police Lines in Civil Lines, Anand Vihar ISBT, a railway station and busy markets. Video footage of these locations was recovered from their mobile phone, and the video clips were said to have been sent to Bhatti over an encrypted messaging service.
Petrol Bombs Allegedly Recovered
Sources said investigators also recovered social media conversations that allegedly showed Bhatti directing one of the accused, Danish alias Chand Mian, to collect and deliver materials suspected to be linked to the planned attacks.
The Delhi Police Special Cell had earlier recovered petrol bombs from Vijay Ghat near Rajghat as part of the investigation.
Officials claimed that the six arrested suspects were also allegedly in contact with around 10 other individuals in Pakistan who were linked to Bhatti. Investigators are now examining their alleged roles in the wider network.
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Roles Of Accused Under Investigation
According to officials, Danish alias Chand Mian was allegedly assigned the task of planning and carrying out reconnaissance activities and was promised a reward of Rs 20,000 if the operation succeeded.
Another accused, Salman, was allegedly responsible for recording the attacks and sharing the footage with Bhatti, while Tayyab was allegedly involved in the collection and sale of weapons.
Officials further claimed that Zubair Khan allegedly delivered consignments from Amritsar, Ali Fazal was involved in weapon distribution, and Malkit Singh allegedly helped deliver weapons reportedly dropped through drones from Pakistan to other members of the network.
The agencies are continuing their investigation into the alleged cross-border links and the role of other suspected handlers.