Inter-Services Intelligence-linked operatives associated with the alleged Shahzad Bhatti module were planning multiple attacks targeting religious sites, security forces, and crowded public locations in northern India, according to sources cited after the interrogation of arrested suspects by the Delhi Police Special Cell. The disclosures emerged a day after nine alleged operatives linked to the Pakistan-backed network were arrested in Delhi and several other states during coordinated raids. Police also recovered weapons and other materials during the operation. Investigators believe the module had identified several sensitive locations for planned attacks intended to create panic and large-scale disruption. The alleged conspiracy involved reconnaissance activities, sharing of photographs and videos with handlers based in Pakistan, and preparations for armed assaults. Security agencies are continuing to examine the wider network and possible links to cross-border handlers.
According to sources, one of the primary targets identified by the module was a historic temple in Delhi. Investigators alleged that one of the arrested operatives had visited the temple earlier to conduct reconnaissance and secretly captured photographs of the premises. These visuals were allegedly sent to handlers based in Pakistan as part of operational planning. Sources claimed the attackers intended to first open fire on police personnel and paramilitary forces deployed at the temple before targeting the religious site itself. Security agencies are now reviewing surveillance footage and examining communication records connected to the suspects. The alleged plot has raised concerns regarding the targeting of high-footfall religious locations for terror attacks. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the identity of the temple for security reasons.
Investigators also revealed that the module allegedly planned a grenade attack on a well-known dhaba located along the Delhi-Sonipat highway. According to sources, the location was chosen because of the large number of daily visitors and the possibility of causing mass casualties and panic. Officials believe the attackers intended to strike crowded civilian areas alongside security installations to maximise disruption. During interrogation, suspects allegedly admitted to discussing various attack scenarios with their handlers. The operation reportedly included plans involving firearms, grenades, and coordinated assaults on multiple locations. Security forces have since heightened vigilance around sensitive public spaces and highway establishments in the region. Additional security checks and patrols have also been intensified in nearby areas following the disclosures.
Another key target allegedly identified by the module was a military camp in Hisar. Sources said one of the accused had conducted reconnaissance of the military installation and shared videos of the site with handlers across the border. Investigators further claimed the group had plans to target police personnel stationed at certain police stations in Uttar Pradesh as part of a broader strategy to attack security infrastructure. Authorities are currently analysing digital evidence, communication records,s and travel histories of the arrested operatives to determine the full scope of the alleged conspiracy. The arrests have once again highlighted concerns over cross-border terror modules allegedly backed by Pakistan-based handlers. Security agencies continue to investigate whether additional operatives or sleeper cells linked to the network remain active in other states.
