Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 17: Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI, has allegedly built an extensive network of criminal operatives and local modules to facilitate terror-related activities inside India, with security agencies identifying Shahzad Bhatti and his associate Ajmal Gujjar as key figures behind the operation.
According to officials, Bhatti is responsible for planning, coordination and recruitment, while Gujjar oversees the movement of arms and logistics from Pakistan. Investigators say the duo has established a sophisticated system designed to create multiple terror cells across different parts of the country.
Intelligence officials claim Gujjar, who operates from Pakistan under the direction of the ISI, was brought in specifically to strengthen Bhatti's operations. Together, they are allegedly managing a network aimed at executing attacks within India.
Bhatti, who previously gained prominence as a social media influencer, is said to be using his online expertise to identify and recruit vulnerable young individuals. Investigators say he leverages various social media platforms, luring potential recruits with promises of financial rewards, popularity and a better lifestyle.
While Bhatti handles digital outreach and recruitment, Gujjar is believed to supervise the supply chain of weapons and ammunition. Security agencies have observed a significant increase in his activities in recent months.
On Tuesday, the Delhi Police Special Cell dismantled a terror module and arrested seven individuals. Officials say the group was operating under the direction of Bhatti and Gujjar, similar to another module that was uncovered in May.
Investigators say Gujjar has been actively attempting to smuggle weapons from Pakistan into India. Although cross-border smuggling has become increasingly difficult, he has allegedly relied on existing underworld networks inside the country to distribute arms to newly recruited members.
Authorities have also detected repeated attempts to transport weapons, ammunition and narcotics through drones, with many such operations concentrated along the Punjab border.
Security agencies are particularly concerned about the expansion of multiple operational units in and around Delhi. Officials believe this indicates that a substantial number of young people have already been recruited into the network.
Rather than depending on a handful of groups, Bhatti and Gujjar are allegedly trying to establish more than 20 independent modules across various regions. Investigators say the strategy is to maintain continuity even if some cells are detected and dismantled by security forces.
Officials describe the task of completely dismantling the network as highly challenging. They believe Bhatti and Gujjar remain committed to carrying out major attacks and continue to receive pressure from the ISI to build a large, locally driven terror infrastructure within India.
According to investigators, this approach aligns with a broader strategy of using Indian recruits to execute attacks while distancing Pakistan from direct involvement.
Authorities have also noted that the syndicate does not focus on religious identity during recruitment. Instead, its primary motivation is financial gain and operational effectiveness.
The network is allegedly involved in plotting activities ranging from targeted killings to attacks on crowded public spaces, including places of worship. Officials say ideology plays a minimal role, with money serving as the principal incentive.
Before approaching potential recruits, Bhatti and his associates reportedly study individuals' social media profiles and assess their financial conditions. Once a suitable target is identified, communication channels are opened and advance payments are often offered before assigning specific tasks.
Investigators say the promise of quick and substantial financial rewards has made recruitment easier, particularly among economically vulnerable youth.
“Money is the driving force behind this network, not ideology. Religion is not a consideration during recruitment,” an official said, highlighting the evolving nature of the threat faced by security agencies.