ISI-Underworld Terror Module Used Drugs, Money to Recruit Mumbai Youths; Delhi Police Probe Uncovers Wider Conspiracy

A major investigation by the Delhi Police Special Cell into an alleged terror module linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the underworld has revealed a complex network involving radicalisation, drug addiction, financial inducements and plans for terror activities across India.

According to sources associated with the investigation, several young men from Mumbai, including identified suspects Touqeer and Sajid Sheikh, were allegedly lured into the module through narcotics and monetary incentives. 

Investigators claim the recruits were first made dependent on drugs before being drawn into terror-related activities.

Chat records recovered during the probe reportedly show conversations between handlers and operatives discussing arrangements for heroin, commonly known as “chitta”, and demanding ₹20 lakh. Investigators believe these discussions were linked to plans for carrying out major terror attacks in Mumbai and other parts of the country. The chats allegedly involved arrested terror suspect Huzaifa Farooq Ahmed Hashmi along with Touqeer and Sajid, who are suspected to have joined the conspiracy due to drug dependency and financial temptation.

International Links Emerge

The investigation has also uncovered what agencies describe as an international network extending from India to Nepal and Dubai. According to sources, recruits were allegedly to be transported through Nepal before being taken to Dubai, where further instructions and operational planning were expected to take place.

Investigators claim that the alleged mastermind, Munna Jhingada, had promised to move Touqeer and Sajid to Dubai via Nepal after completion of assigned tasks. Agencies suspect Jhingada is attempting to revive the influence of the D-Gang in Mumbai and has been actively recruiting young men for the purpose.

The probe further indicates that after receiving an initial payment, operatives allegedly obtained sophisticated weapons that were dropped in Punjab’s Gurdaspur region from across the border. Investigators believe this suggests the conspiracy had progressed beyond planning stages and had entered operational execution.

Officials expect further questioning of Huzaifa to reveal details about the recruitment process, the extent of the network and the number of youths allegedly inducted into the module.

Alleged Revenge Plot Linked to Bandra Demolition

The investigation has also brought attention to an alleged plot linked to the demolition of an illegal structure, including an unauthorised mosque, in Mumbai’s Garib Nagar area of Bandra.

According to investigating agencies, Huzaifa, who was arrested from Bhayandar earlier this week, allegedly shared videos and photographs of the demolition with Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and other handlers. Authorities suspect that the demolition was being used as a trigger for radicalisation and mobilisation of recruits.

Investigators claim Huzaifa, along with Touqeer and Sajid, became part of the ISI-underworld module and were allegedly involved in discussions regarding retaliatory attacks. Sources further stated that agencies are examining whether Huzaifa and two associates were present during the demolition operation on May 19 and whether they played any role in provoking violence against police personnel at the site.

Transit Remand Granted

Huzaifa was produced before a Thane court by the Delhi Police Special Cell for transit remand. During the hearing, the court asked the accused whether he was aware of the case registered against him. Huzaifa reportedly responded that he was aware of the allegations.

The court also inquired whether he had any complaints against the police or had been subjected to assault. The accused stated that he had no complaints against the police.

According to investigators, Huzaifa had allegedly agreed to participate in a hand grenade attack in Delhi at the behest of Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti. Following the hearing, the court granted transit remand and directed that he be taken to Delhi and produced before the Patiala House Court by June 5.

WhatsApp Chats Presented in Court

During the proceedings, investigating agencies submitted screenshots of WhatsApp conversations that they claim establish links between the accused and Pakistan-based handlers.
The probe has revealed alleged communication between Huzaifa and individuals identified as Shahzad Bhatti, Yawar Khan and Munna Jhingada. Investigators claim the handlers used social media platforms to influence Indian youths and encourage involvement in extremist and terror-related activities.

According to agencies, Huzaifa had received approximately ₹1 lakh from his handlers. Authorities allege he shared demolition-related videos and photographs from Bandra with the Pakistan-based operatives.
Investigators are also examining whether the accused was part of a larger network and whether additional individuals remain active within the module.

Possible Delhi Target Under Investigation

In another significant revelation, investigators suspect that the ISI-underworld network may have been planning to target an influential individual in Delhi.
Sources claim that Pakistan-based associates of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim were recruiting young men by offering money and promising opportunities within the underworld network. Huzaifa, Touqeer and Sajid were allegedly instructed by Yawar Khan to reach Delhi urgently for a mission.

During questioning, investigators reportedly asked the accused who the intended target was. Huzaifa allegedly stated that he had sought the same information from Yawar Khan but was told that details of the target, along with weapons or grenades, would only be provided after the recruits arrived in Delhi.
According to investigators, Huzaifa had also informed other youths that Pakistan-based gangsters were using social media platforms, particularly Instagram, to recruit individuals by offering money for assignments.

However, Huzaifa’s father has denied the allegations against his son. He claimed that the ₹25,000 allegedly received by Huzaifa had been returned and asserted that his son had voluntarily surrendered to authorities.

The investigation remains ongoing, with agencies attempting to determine the full scope of the alleged ISI-underworld nexus, its recruitment network and any potential terror plots that may have been in advanced stages of execution.