Ahead of Independence Day, security agencies have claimed to have busted a major network allegedly linked to Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI. A total of 12 suspects have been arrested in separate operations conducted across Punjab, West Bengal and Delhi over the past week.
According to investigating agencies, the modules were being operated through handlers based in Pakistan and terrorist Shahzad Bhatti. Preliminary investigations have revealed that Delhi, Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Bardhaman in West Bengal were among the possible targets.
Investigating agencies have claimed that different modules operating across states were assigned separate tasks. While some were involved in arranging weapons and conducting reconnaissance, others were allegedly tasked with recruiting local youth, collecting sensitive information and gaining access to influential people.
West Bengal Module
An FIR registered at Bardhaman police station in West Bengal on July 31, 2026, has revealed several details. According to the investigation, the arrested accused Mohammad Hamim Mandal was allegedly in regular contact with social media accounts and foreign WhatsApp numbers operated from Pakistan.
His mobile phone reportedly contained a Pakistani +92 number, along with numbers from the US and UK. The FIR also mentions names such as “Rana”, “C9Uzhair” and “Abid Jutt”.
Investigators claim the accused was in contact with people linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Pakistan-based handlers. Chats, instructions and other digital evidence have allegedly been recovered from his phone.
According to agencies, this module was assigned tasks including recruiting local youth, arranging weapons, collecting information about VIPs and government establishments, gaining access to political leaders through honey traps and preparing for crimes such as murder and kidnapping if required.
The investigation has also highlighted the alleged role of Arpita, a resident of Jharkhand. During questioning, it was claimed that she was tasked with gaining access to political circles in West Bengal through honey traps.
Agencies also claimed that there was a plan to assassinate the West Bengal Chief Minister and create disruption by reaching Delhi’s Jantar Mantar wearing a police uniform.
Amritsar Module
Punjab Police claimed to have busted two separate ISI-backed modules in Amritsar and arrested nine people, including four minors. Three illegal pistols, nine cartridges, four petrol bombs and a stolen motorcycle were recovered.
According to police, interrogation revealed that the group had earlier reached Jantar Mantar in Delhi, where they received local support and weapons. However, they could not execute their plan and returned to Punjab.
The investigation further revealed that the accused were allegedly conducting recce of police establishments, monitoring security force activities and installing cameras near railway tracks to send live footage to foreign-based handlers.
Police said payments for installing the cameras were made online. Two suspects lodged in jail were also arrested on production warrants after their alleged involvement came to light.
Tarn Taran Module
In a joint operation by Tarn Taran Police and the Border Security Force (BSF), accused Manjit Singh was arrested. According to police, he was in direct contact with Pakistan-based arms smugglers.
Seven foreign-made pistols, an MP-9 gun, a large number of cartridges and mobile phones were recovered from his residence.
During interrogation, the accused allegedly revealed that the weapons were delivered from Pakistan through drones. Investigators suspect these weapons were meant for targeted killings by Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) and gangsters.
12 Pakistani numbers were reportedly found on his mobile phone. Two of these were saved under the names “Chacha” and “Rehman”, which agencies suspect could be code names. Further investigation is underway to identify them and trace bank accounts, online transactions and money trails.
Investigation underway
According to sources, the West Bengal and Amritsar modules were allegedly being operated through the network of Pakistan-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti.
ALSO READ: Terror Module Linked To Pak Gangster Shahzad Bhatti Busted; 6 Arrested From Delhi, Punjab
Security agencies are now investigating whether preparations were being made for a major terror attack or targeted killings ahead of August 15. Investigations into all three cases are continuing.
Key Facts Revealed So Far:
* Action taken across three states in one week, with 12 suspects arrested.
* Delhi, Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Bardhaman identified as possible targets.
* Contacts with Pakistani +92 numbers and US-UK numbers allegedly found.
* Claims of honey trap, local recruitment and collection of VIP information.
* Alleged visit to Jantar Mantar and live footage sent through installed cameras.
* Claims of weapons being delivered from Pakistan through drones.
* Investigation intensified after suspicious contacts saved as “Chacha” and “Rehman” were found.