A major terror conspiracy allegedly aimed at targeting Mumbai has come to light following the busting of an international terror-underworld network by the Delhi Police Special Cell.
The investigation, which led to the arrest of eight suspected terrorists, has revealed plans to avenge the demolition of an illegal mosque built on Railway land in Mumbai’s Bandra East area.
According to sources, investigators have uncovered evidence suggesting that terrorists were planning attacks on police personnel deployed during and after the demolition drive at Garib Nagar, as well as members of the Hindu community.
The conspiracy was allegedly orchestrated by Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI in collaboration with Pakistani gangster Shahzad Bhatti, Yawar Khan and underworld operative Munna Jhingada.
Sources said Munna Jhingada, currently believed to be operating from Karachi, was tasked with leading the operation. The alleged targets included personnel from the Mumbai Police, Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP).
The Railway authorities had demolished the structure on May 20 and 21 after determining that it stood on Railway land. During the anti-encroachment operation, a group allegedly resorted to stone-pelting, leaving five police personnel injured.
The Delhi Police Special Cell has shared its findings with Mumbai Police, prompting heightened security measures. Mumbai Police and the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have launched parallel inquiries to identify local operatives and possible sleeper cells linked to the module.
Sources associated with the investigation said that before and after the demolition, operatives allegedly conducted detailed reconnaissance of the Bandra East area on the instructions of Munna Jhingada, Yawar Khan and Shahzad Bhatti. Videos and photographs of police deployments were reportedly sent to handlers in Pakistan.
Acting on these inputs, the Delhi Police Special Cell arrested Sajid Mehboob Shaikh alias Arbaaz Khan (27) from Kurla and Tauqeer Rizwan Ahmed Shaikh (27) from Mumbra on May 27.
Investigators allege that both men carried out surveillance in Garib Nagar and transmitted visual intelligence to their handlers across the border.
Police investigations have also revealed that the duo had allegedly surveyed the Sabzi Mandi Bridge outside Dadar railway station. The crowded marketplace and security personnel stationed there were reportedly identified as potential targets.
Mobile phones recovered from the accused reportedly contain videos of multiple locations across Mumbai. Investigators have also seized chats and voice notes exchanged with handlers based in Pakistan and Dubai.
The probe has further revealed that the two arrested accused were allegedly recruited into the terror module by a Mumbai-based operative identified as Huzaifa. He is currently absconding, and multiple teams are conducting searches across Mumbai and adjoining areas to trace him.
According to investigators, Huzaifa was working under the direction of Munna Jhingada and Yawar Khan.
The module was allegedly tasked with carrying out grenade attacks and indiscriminate firing on police personnel, security establishments and other sensitive targets in Mumbai.
Officials believe that Huzaifa’s arrest could provide critical information regarding additional targets, including VIPs and strategically important locations that may have been under surveillance.
Munna Jhingada is a notorious figure known to Mumbai Police and national security agencies. He is accused of carrying out a deadly attack on underworld don Chhota Rajan in Bangkok in 2000 at the behest of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim.
