ISI Terror Module Planned Attacks in Mumbai Following Mosque Demolition

Authorities have revealed an investigation into a Pakistan-backed terror group believed to be planning attacks in Mumbai. This module, linked to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), aimed to retaliate for the demolition of an illegal mosque in the Garib Nagar area of Bandra. The Delhi Police reported on Saturday that eight suspects, which included a national from Nepal, were arrested. They were allegedly preparing to target police and infrastructure in various cities, including Delhi.

The demolition operation took place from 19 to 23 May, targeting unauthorised structures near Bandra railway station. The drive resulted in violence, including stone-pelting, which left ten individuals injured, among them police officers. A senior official from Mumbai Police stated that the arrested individuals had conducted reconnaissance of the demolition area and transmitted videos and footage of police presence to their handlers in Pakistan.

Targeted victims included police personnel deployed during the demolition and members of the Hindu community, as indicated by preliminary findings. Encapsulating the gravity of these plans, the official noted that the operations were orchestrated by key figures within Pakistan, including gangster Shahzad Bhatti and Munna Jhingada, a known associate of Chhota Shakeel.

On 27 May, the Special Cell of the Delhi Police apprehended Sajid Mehboob Shaikh, alias Arbaaz Khan, in Kurla, Mumbai, alongside Tauqeer Rizwan Shaikh from Mumbra in Thane district. Both suspects were linked to potential attack plans, having scouted locations including a busy bridge outside Dadar railway station. The seizure of their mobile phones yielded multiple videos showcasing various sites in Mumbai and communication materials exchanged with handlers located in Pakistan and Dubai.

A suspect identified as Huzaifa was reportedly responsible for recruiting local operatives and is currently at large, with efforts underway to locate him. The investigation suggested that the group was ordered to execute grenade attacks and random shootings targeting police, security forces, and essential facilities across Mumbai.

In response to the threats, Mumbai Police, along with the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), has heightened security measures and is pursuing local connections tied to the group. Jhingada is being treated as a prime suspect in this case, believed to operate from Karachi with responsibilities for coordinating attacks. Notably, he has a history indicative of violent activities, having allegedly participated in an assault on gangster Chhota Rajan in Bangkok in 2000 at the order of fugitive Dawood Ibrahim. Jhingada later served a lengthy prison term in Thailand.

As the situation develops, officials stress the importance of maintaining vigilance against potential attacks stemming from this identified network.