ISLAMABAD: Indian security agencies have claimed to dismantle an alleged cross-border terror and espionage-linked network after the Delhi Police Special Cell announced the arrest of multiple suspects during coordinated operations in Delhi, Mumbai and Pune.
According to Indian police officials, between eight and nine individuals were detained in the operation, while arms, ammunition and explosive materials were reportedly recovered during raids conducted over the past several days. Indian authorities alleged that the suspects were linked to handlers associated with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and elements of the Mumbai underworld.
The arrests come amid heightened security concerns in India following a series of counter-terror investigations launched across several states during recent months.
Delhi Police Special Cell officials told local media that the network had allegedly conducted reconnaissance activities at multiple locations and was planning attacks targeting security personnel, public infrastructure and other sensitive sites in the Indian capital.
Special Commissioner of Police Anil Shukla stated during a press briefing that the accused were operating under instructions from cross-border handlers and had been arrested from different locations, including Delhi, Maharashtra and Pune.
Indian media reports said investigators recovered four live hand grenades, ammunition and other materials during the operation. Some reports also claimed that several of the recovered items were allegedly manufactured in Pakistan, although no independent verification has been publicly presented.
Authorities further alleged that members of the network had carried out videography and surveillance of key locations in Delhi and Mumbai, including transport infrastructure and crowded public areas. Investigators are examining mobile devices, financial records and communication channels to determine the wider extent of the network.
Indian officials said the operation followed weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering before coordinated arrests were carried out.
Several Indian media organizations reported that the investigation initially began after the detention of one suspect earlier this month, leading investigators toward a broader network operating across multiple cities. Authorities believe additional arrests may follow as the probe expands.
The latest case has emerged against the backdrop of increasing security alerts issued by Indian agencies during 2026.
Over recent months, Indian police and intelligence units have announced several alleged ISI-linked arrests involving espionage, reconnaissance and terror-related investigations in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Indian authorities have repeatedly claimed that some networks were operating through criminal syndicates, encrypted communication platforms and cross-border handlers.
Pakistan has consistently rejected Indian allegations linking Islamabad or its institutions to militant activities inside India.
Pakistani officials have previously argued that New Delhi frequently attributes security incidents and alleged terror plots to Pakistan without presenting publicly verifiable evidence or allowing independent international scrutiny.
Security analysts note that accusations involving ISI links often emerge during periods of heightened political or security tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Relations between Pakistan and India remain strained following years of diplomatic disputes, border tensions and competing security narratives. Formal bilateral dialogue has remained limited, while both countries continue to accuse each other of supporting destabilizing activities across borders.
The latest arrests also come as Indian security agencies expand counter-terror monitoring operations across major urban centers.
Earlier this week, Delhi Police announced the establishment of dedicated counter-terror units within police stations across the capital, citing evolving security threats and the need for enhanced intelligence collection capabilities.
Indian investigators are now expected to focus on funding channels, digital communications and possible overseas contacts linked to the detained suspects.
While Indian authorities describe the operation as a significant security breakthrough, questions regarding the full scope of the alleged network, the evidentiary basis of the claims and potential diplomatic implications are likely to remain under scrutiny as the investigation progresses.
Any formal response from Pakistan’s Foreign Office or other state institutions could further shape the regional narrative surrounding the case in the coming days, particularly if additional details or charges are made public by Indian authorities.