Terror alert in Delhi: Security tightened in national capital after Pak-linked Shahzad Bhatti module busted

New Delhi has been placed on high alert following specific intelligence inputs warning of a potential terror strike. This heightened security posture comes just days after the Delhi Police Special Cell dismantled a major Pakistan-linked module orchestrating a “target killing” and sabotage plot across North India.

Central intelligence agencies have issued a “serious threat” warning, indicating that Pakistan-based handlers, likely linked to the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti network, are planning to target high-profile locations in Delhi.

Sources indicate that enhanced surveillance has been put in place at several locations, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national headquarters and multiple government buildings in Lutyens’ Delhi; historic temples in Old Delhi, particularly around Chandni Chowk; popular crowd-heavy spots such as dhabas along the Delhi-Sonipat highway; and military installations, including the Hisar military camp.

Cracking the Shahzad Bhatti module

The current alert is a direct fallout of the arrest of nine operatives associated with Shahzad Bhatti, a Pakistan-based gangster operating as a proxy for the ISI.

Investigations revealed a chilling multi-pronged strategy behind the module’s operations. To begin with, operatives had allegedly been tasked with carrying out random firing at security personnel, a move aimed at triggering chaos and widespread panic.

Further, authorities found that the group had already conducted reconnaissance of a historic temple in Delhi, with video footage of the site reportedly sent across the border to their handlers for assessment and planning.

In addition, plans were said to be in place for grenade attacks targeting crowded eateries, particularly dhabas along major highways, where large gatherings could have amplified the impact of such strikes.

Meanwhile, investigators also uncovered evidence of a sophisticated espionage network. This involved solar-powered CCTV cameras covertly installed near sensitive military zones, allegedly to monitor and track troop movements in real time.

Security measures upped

Acting on these “specific and actionable” intelligence inputs, the Delhi Police have ramped up security deployment across the capital.

As part of the heightened alert, intensive frisking and vehicle checks are underway, with additional checkpoints and barricades set up at all key entry and exit points into Delhi.

At the same time, CCTV surveillance has been significantly stepped up in high-risk zones, particularly around the Red Fort area — a location that remains highly sensitive following last year’s car bombing incident — as well as at several other prominent heritage sites across the city.

Authorities have also issued a public advisory, urging citizens to stay alert and immediately report any suspicious activity, unattended objects, or unusual movement to the nearest police personnel.

A persistant threat

The current crackdown follows a string of counter-terrorism operations this year. In April, 11 individuals were arrested for their roles in an inter-state espionage and arms smuggling ring. Security experts believe these modules are part of a broader “hybrid warfare” strategy aimed at destabilising the capital through a mix of organized crime and traditional terrorism.

As of now, the Special Cell and NIA (National Investigation Agency) are conducting joint raids across several locations in Delhi-NCR, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh to track down remaining sleeper cells associated with the busted module.