Delhi Police's Special Cell has foiled a major terror conspiracy by arresting nine individuals allegedly linked to a Pakistan-based network involving the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Mumbai's underworld. The operation is being seen as a significant breakthrough for security agencies as investigators believe the group was planning attacks on critical locations across the country.

The arrests were made on Saturday following a coordinated operation conducted in different parts of Mumbai. Among those arrested are Sajid Mehboob Sheikh, also known as Arbaz Khan, who was apprehended from Kurla, and Tauqeer Rizwan Sheikh, who was arrested from Mumbra. Both suspects have been brought to Delhi for further questioning and investigation. Several other individuals have also been detained and are currently being questioned by investigators.

According to Delhi Police, the accused were allegedly working under the directions of a Pakistan-based ISI-underworld network. Investigators claim that the two Mumbai-based suspects had received instructions to travel to Delhi. Once there, they were expected to receive details about their targets and further operational responsibilities. Officials also alleged that funds had been provided to them to support their travel and planned activities.

The investigation has revealed a wider network that security agencies believe has been active for a long time. Officials have identified nearly 600 individuals across India who were allegedly in contact with Pakistani gangster Shahzad Bhatti through different channels, mainly social media platforms. Investigators are now examining the nature of these contacts and whether any of the individuals were directly involved in unlawful activities.

The operation has also uncovered what investigators describe as an alleged connection between underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and Pakistan's intelligence agency, the ISI. Security agencies believe this nexus played a role in supporting and directing the activities of the terror module.

During the operation, the Special Cell recovered a large cache of weapons. Officials said some of those arrested are of Nepalese origin. According to Delhi Police sources, the module had allegedly been cultivated over an extended period by Pakistani intelligence operatives. Investigators believe the network was carefully developed and maintained to carry out activities inside India.

Sources told NDTV that potential targets on the group's list included nuclear facilities, airports, railway stations and power plants. Security agencies are treating the threat seriously because these locations are considered highly sensitive and vital to the national infrastructure.

Officials said the module had been under surveillance for a considerable period before the arrests were made. Investigators are now focusing on possible cross-border links, funding routes and the involvement of overseas handlers. Agencies are trying to determine how instructions were passed to operatives and whether additional individuals remain connected to the network.

The arrests come at a time when Delhi remains on high alert due to intelligence inputs regarding possible terror threats. Earlier this month, security agencies received alerts warning of potential attacks on important offices and crowded locations in central Delhi. The alerts mentioned possible suicide attacks, vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (IEDs), shootings and coordinated strikes.

In response to these threats, all district police units have been directed to remain vigilant. Authorities have also been instructed to maintain close coordination with intelligence agencies and central paramilitary forces to strengthen security arrangements and prevent any possible attack.

According to Delhi Police, intelligence inputs suggest that terror handlers operating from abroad are increasingly using encrypted online platforms, social media networks and local sleeper cells to recruit, radicalise and guide operatives within India. Investigators are continuing their efforts to trace the full extent of the network and identify anyone connected to the alleged conspiracy.