Conspiracy to destabilize country: ISI targeting multiple states, hybrid terrorists being recruited

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Intelligence agencies have revealed a major security concern, stating that over a dozen states in India are currently on the radar of Pakistan’s ISI and associated terror networks. Investigations suggest that “hybrid terrorists” are being recruited across these regions.

Arrests and explosive recovery

Based on recent operations, STF and intelligence agencies arrested three accused—Akbar Ali (Ajmer), Anas (Meerut), and Jagbir (Ambala)—from Ambala with RDX. They are reportedly linked to Pakistani gangster Shahzad Bhatti, who is believed to be working for ISI. Another आरोपी, Makhandeep from Punjab, is currently absconding.

On the same day, six more suspects, including Suhail Malik from Meerut, were arrested from Kaushambi in Ghaziabad following intelligence inputs.

Use of solar cameras for reconnaissance

Investigations revealed that under instructions from handlers based in Pakistan, Suhail had installed solar-powered cameras in Delhi-NCR to conduct surveillance. These cameras were allegedly used to monitor sensitive locations.

A total of nine accused linked to this terror module were arrested on March 20, including five minors. Earlier, on March 18, IB and ATS had arrested Azim Rana from Hapur and Azad Rajput from Meerut in connection with the RDX case.

Spread across multiple states

Agencies including IB, ATS, and Army Intelligence are now jointly probing the network. Initial findings indicate that ISI-backed modules are active in more than 12 states, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Kashmir.

Local youths are being recruited as “hybrid terrorists”—individuals without any criminal record—making them harder to detect and track.

Additional links and surveillance targets

Suhail Malik, a resident of Bijnor, is said to have played a key role in recruiting youths and setting up surveillance systems. Meanwhile, reports of a cleric being detained in Deoband created a stir, although police have not officially confirmed the development.

Another आरोपी, Naushad from Bihar, is believed to be a key handler who shared sensitive videos and locations with Pakistan-based operatives. He was reportedly assigned to gather information about the temple in Deoghar, Jharkhand.

Railway targets also under threat

Earlier, intelligence agencies had uncovered attempts to sabotage railway tracks, terming it “rail jihad.” The recently busted Ghaziabad module has also admitted to conducting reconnaissance of रेलवे स्टेशन, मेट्रो, और रैपिड रेल स्टेशनों और sending videos to Pakistan.

Authorities are continuing investigations to dismantle the network and prevent any potential attacks.