Delhi Police Arrest Five More in Alleged ISI-linked Terror Module Case
New Delhi: In a significant development, the Delhi Police have arrested five more individuals in connection with a terror module allegedly linked to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into the so-called TTH case, which authorities say pertains to a network of operatives planning to carry out violent acts in India.
The case registered by the Delhi Police's Special Cell has been under investigation for months. According to officials, the module is suspected of having ties to the ISI, with the arrested individuals allegedly receiving directions from across the border. The TTH designation, as per police records, refers to a specific terror conspiracy that came to light following an attack on a police official in Punjab earlier this year. The module is believed to be responsible for that attack, though investigations are still underway.
Police sources stated that the five operatives were arrested from different locations in the national capital region after sustained surveillance. They are being interrogated to unearth the larger network and any impending threats. The arrests come close on the heels of earlier detentions in the same case, bringing the total number of those apprehended to a significant figure, though official confirmation is awaited.
One of the key aspects of this case is the alleged use of social media platforms for recruitment and radicalisation. Investigators have found that the operatives were contacted and trained online, using encrypted messaging services to avoid detection. The recruitment process often targeted vulnerable individuals, promising them a cause and financial incentives. The police have recovered several digital devices during the operation, which are being examined by forensic experts.
In a coordinated move, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at multiple locations in Punjab and Haryana on the same day. These searches are part of a related probe into the larger conspiracy behind the Punjab police official attack and other planned attacks. The NIA, along with state police forces, is working to dismantle the terror network that spans across state boundaries. Official statements indicate that further arrests are likely as the investigation expands.
The arrest operation was carried out with meticulous planning, involving officers from the Special Cell and local police stations. The suspects were picked up from their residences and hideouts in the early hours of the morning. According to a senior police officer, the module was being handled by an ISI handler based in Pakistan, who used virtual numbers and encrypted platforms to issue instructions. The exact nature of the plots being hatched is still being ascertained, but preliminary interrogations suggest that the module was planning attacks on security forces and public places.
The Punjab police official who was attacked survived the assault but sustained injuries. That incident, which took place earlier this year, triggered a massive manhunt and led to the initial breakthroughs in the case. Since then, multiple arrests have been made across Punjab and neighboring states, revealing a well-organized network that used a combination of cyber tools and ground operatives.
The National Investigation Agency, which took over the case from the Punjab Police due to its interstate and international ramifications, has been working in tandem with the Delhi Police. The searches in Punjab and Haryana are aimed at gathering more evidence and apprehending additional suspects who might be hiding. The NIA has also issued look-out circulars for a few individuals believed to be operating from abroad.
Legal experts point out that while the arrests are a step forward, the prosecution will need to present a watertight case in court. The evidence gathered from digital devices must be admissible and corroborated. In previous such cases, courts have often questioned the legitimacy of electronic evidence if not collected with proper safeguards. The police have assured that all legal protocols are being adhered to.
The alleged involvement of Pakistan's ISI in fomenting terror in India is not new. Indian security agencies have repeatedly accused the ISI of supporting and funding terror groups operating in the country. Pakistan, however, has consistently denied such allegations, calling them baseless. In this case, the Delhi Police have claimed to have technical and intelligence evidence pointing to cross-border connections, though such evidence is yet to be presented in a court of law.
The arrests have once again brought into focus the challenge of online radicalisation and the need for robust cyber surveillance. Experts note that terror groups are increasingly using social media to recruit and communicate, making it difficult for agencies to track them. The government has been pushing for stricter regulations on digital platforms, while also investing in advanced technology to monitor such activities. However, civil liberties groups have raised concerns about potential misuse of surveillance powers, calling for a balance between security and privacy.
As the investigation proceeds, the police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online activity. They have also assured that all procedures are being followed in accordance with the law, and the arrested individuals will be given a fair trial. The case is a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by cross-border terrorism and the continuous efforts of Indian security forces to safeguard the nation.
