New Delhi: The Special Cell of Delhi Police has arrested five additional suspects in connection with an alleged multi-state terror module that investigators claim was operating under the influence of a Pakistan-based handler. The latest arrests take the total number of accused in the case to eight, marking a significant development in the ongoing counter-terrorism operation.
According to officials, the group was allegedly tasked with carrying out activities aimed at spreading fear, targeting police personnel and promoting an extremist organisation identified as Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan (TTH). Investigators believe the module was receiving instructions from Pakistan-based operative Shahzad Bhatti.
Police said the accused were involved in efforts to glorify foreign-based handlers through posters and propaganda material while also attempting to expand the reach of the alleged outfit through graffiti and messaging campaigns in parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region.
The five individuals arrested during the latest operation have been identified as Sohail from Faridabad in Haryana, Sonu Meena from Delhi, Sachin Kumar Meena from Rajasthan’s Dausa district, Mohammad Kaif from Nuh in Haryana and Mohammad Rihan from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh.
During searches linked to the investigation, police recovered arms, ammunition and other materials that are being examined as evidence. Officials said forensic and technical analysis of the seized items is underway.
Investigators are also probing the communication channels used by the accused and their alleged links with handlers operating from across the border. The Special Cell is examining whether the group had plans beyond propaganda activities and whether additional individuals were involved in the network.
Authorities noted that the alleged outfit had recently claimed responsibility for the killing of an Assistant Sub-Inspector in Punjab’s Amritsar district, a claim that is also being reviewed as part of the broader investigation.
Security agencies are coordinating across multiple states to trace the network’s operations, financial links and recruitment activities. Officials said further arrests could not be ruled out as the probe progresses.
The case is being viewed as a major counter-terrorism breakthrough, with investigators working to dismantle the entire structure of the alleged network and identify all those connected to its activities.
