Delhi police bust ISI-linked Espionage and terror module, 11 arrested

The Special Cell of the Delhi Police has busted a major inter-state terror, arms and espionage module allegedly backed by handlers from Pakistan and its intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), officials said on Friday.

In a coordinated operation, police uncovered a covert surveillance network involving solar-powered CCTV cameras installed near sensitive military locations across several states. The crackdown, carried out in two phases, led to the arrest of 11 accused and exposed links to the banned outfit Babbar Khalsa International .

According to investigators, the module was engaged in espionage, arms smuggling and reconnaissance of defence installations . Surveillance devices were strategically installed in Punjab (Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Pathankot, Patiala, Moga), Haryana (Ambala), Jammu and Kashmir (Kathua), and Rajasthan (Bikaner, Alwar)areas known for frequent troop movement and proximity to international borders .

Police said the CCTV feeds were transmitted in real time to Pakistan-based handlers via mobile applications using SIM cards procured on fake identities . The accused operated under direct instructions from across the border, sharing visuals of Army cantonments, border roads and high-security zones through encrypted platforms.

The first operation led to the arrest of six accused and the recovery of nine CCTV cameras, four pistols (including three foreign-made) , and 24 cartridges . A second operation, based on inputs from Military Intelligence , resulted in five more arrests linked to reconnaissance activities targeting Army and BSF installations . Key accused Manpreet Singh from Tarn Taran allegedly coordinated arms deliveries and communication with handlers , while others managed installation of surveillance equipment and logistics.

Investigations revealed the accused were lured with money from cross-border arms and narcotics smuggling and were tasked with expanding the network by recruiting local youths. Officials said the use of solar-powered devices enabled continuous surveillance in remote areas , indicating a well-planned operation with external support . The crackdown has also averted a potential terror strike , with plans to target security establishments using explosives. Further investigation is underway to identify wider links and sleeper cells .