NEW DELHI: Security agencies have reportedly foiled a major plot to attack the national capital using sophisticated weapons, uncovering a suspected cross-border criminal gang with links to Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal, sources said.Authorities seized 18 sophisticated firearms from nine indicted agents who allegedly planned to distribute the weapons to multiple states through Munger.ANI sources said investigators are also probing the role of Shahbaz Ansari, a wanted suspect in the NIA Sidhu Moosewala arms supply case and a resident of Kulja in Uttar Pradesh.The latest operation comes on the heels of the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which killed 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali citizen.In a related crackdown on April 24, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested two alleged gangsters in Noida, whose activities were said to be directly influenced by personnel in Pakistan and the ISI.The suspects, identified as 20-year-olds Tushar Chauhan (also known as Hizbullah Ali Khan) and Samir Khan, were found in possession of a pistol, live ammunition and a knife.According to the ATS, intelligence revealed that the two were trying to compromise India’s internal security under the direction of the ISI. Investigators say they have been working with terror groups and gangs to radicalize young Indians through Instagram and other social media platforms.The ATS further claimed that the duo, in collaboration with gangsters Shahzad Bhatti and Abid Jatt, were responsible for setting up sleeper cells to carry out targeted killings and reconnaissance of sensitive locations.According to UP ATS, Bhatti allegedly provided Tushar with Rs 3 lakh, part of which was paid in advance, as well as a passport and safe passage to Pakistan via Dubai after the planned attack was carried out.Investigators said the network was not limited to criminals but also linked to ISI operatives Major Hamid, Major Iqbal and Major Anwar, who allegedly facilitated the supply of weapons and funds.(using input from ANI)
