Security – Two Youths Arrested in Delhi NCR Targeted Attack Plot
Security – Two young men allegedly linked to a Pakistan-based handler have been arrested for their suspected involvement in a planned series of violent incidents in the Delhi-NCR region, according to police officials.
Arrests Follow Intelligence Inputs
Authorities identified the accused as Rajveer, 21, and Vivek Banjara, 19, both residents of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. Their arrest comes after security agencies received specific intelligence suggesting that a Pakistan-based gangster, Shahzad Bhatti, along with alleged operatives linked to external intelligence networks, was coordinating plans to carry out targeted attacks in northern India.
Police officials said the inputs indicated a broader conspiracy involving grenade attacks and shootings aimed at selected locations across Delhi-NCR and nearby areas. Acting swiftly, investigators began tracking individuals suspected of being recruited into the network.
Trail Leads to Gwalior and Delhi
Banjara was first apprehended on April 16 in Dabra, a town in Gwalior district. During questioning, he reportedly provided crucial information that led police to Rajveer, who was arrested two days later from the Sarai Kale Khan area in Delhi.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Praveen Kumar Tripathi, Rajveer was allegedly preparing to open fire at a prominent hotel in the Delhi-NCR region under instructions from his handler. Officials believe this was part of a larger attempt to create panic and establish influence through targeted violence.
Weapons and Digital Evidence Recovered
During the arrests, police recovered a pistol, six live cartridges, and two mobile phones. Investigators said the devices contained videos and voice recordings that could help establish links between the accused and their handler.
Preliminary findings suggest that Rajveer was initially contacted through social media by an individual known as “Rana Bhai,” believed to be an associate of Bhatti. Over time, Rajveer allegedly became more deeply involved and introduced Banjara to the same network.
Failed Weapon Pickup and Further Movements
In March, Rajveer was reportedly instructed to send an associate to Ahmedabad to collect weapons. Banjara was sent for the task, but the transfer did not take place. Police said Bhatti had arranged a small sum of money for Banjara’s stay during that trip.
Subsequently, on April 9, both accused traveled to Amritsar, where they allegedly collected a firearm, ammunition, and cash from a designated location. Investigators believe the weapon was intended for use in an attack on a club in Zirakpur, Punjab, which had previously received extortion threats.
Attempted Attack and Technical Failure
On April 11, Rajveer allegedly attempted to carry out the planned shooting at the club. However, the attempt did not succeed due to a malfunction in the weapon. Police said Banjara recorded a video of the incident, which was intended to be shared with their handler as proof of execution.
Following the failed attempt, Rajveer reportedly concealed the firearm at an undisclosed location and shared its coordinates with Bhatti. He then traveled to Delhi, stayed for several days, and later moved to Faridkot, where he received another weapon and ammunition.
Ongoing Investigation and Security Concerns
Officials stated that Rajveer had returned to Delhi with the intention of targeting high-profile locations, including hotels. His arrest, along with Banjara’s, is being seen as a significant step in preventing potential attacks.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities examining digital evidence and tracing possible connections to other individuals involved in the alleged network. Security agencies are also assessing whether similar recruitment methods are being used to draw young individuals into such activities.
Police have emphasized the role of social media in facilitating contact between handlers and recruits, highlighting the need for vigilance and monitoring of suspicious online interactions.