A major conspiracy to carry out shootings, grenade attacks, and targeted killings in Delhi-NCR has been foiled by the Special Cell of Delhi Police, with the arrest of two young men allegedly linked to a Pakistan-based handler.
The accused, identified as 21-year-old Rajveer and 19-year-old Vivek Banjara from Gwalior, were allegedly working on the instructions of Shehzad Bhatti, who police described as an ISI proxy.
According to police, their arrest has prevented planned attacks in the national capital and nearby areas.
Arrests and Seizures
Police said Vivek Banjara was arrested first on April 16 from Dabra in Gwalior. Based on his interrogation, Rajveer was later arrested on April 18 from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi.
A pistol and six live cartridges were recovered from Rajveer, while mobile phones seized from both accused reportedly contained incriminating videos and voice notes exposing the network.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Praveen Kumar Tripathi said, “Their arrest has exposed a larger conspiracy involving recruitment of young people through social media for targeted violence.”
Planned Attack on Delhi Hotel
Investigators revealed that Rajveer was allegedly preparing to target a major hotel in Delhi-NCR under instructions from handlers based in Pakistan.
Police said he was recruited through social media by an associate of Bhatti known as “Rana Bhai” and later brought Vivek into the network.
Both accused were allegedly lured with promises of easy money and gradually assigned operational roles.
Earlier Failed Attack in Punjab
During the investigation, police found that the duo had earlier attempted to carry out a shooting at a club in Zirakpur, Punjab, which had reportedly received threats.
On April 9, they travelled to Amritsar where they were given a pistol, ammunition, and cash. Two days later, Rajveer allegedly tried to open fire at the club, but the weapon malfunctioned.
Vivek reportedly recorded a video of the attempt to send it to their handler. After the failed attempt, Rajveer hid the weapon and shared its location with his handlers.
Wider Network Under Probe
Police said the accused later procured another weapon and returned to Delhi with plans to execute a major attack, but were caught before they could act.
Officials are now investigating the larger network, including other possible recruits and handlers operating across states and from across the border.
“Further investigation is underway to identify all those involved,” police said, adding that more arrests are likely as the probe continues.
