New Delhi, March 23: The Special Cell of the Delhi Police has arrested a crucial associate of Shahzad Bhatti, a gangster turned terrorist based in Pakistan, revealing a significant terror module in the process.
This breakthrough was achieved by a dedicated team from the Eastern Range, led by Inspector Rahul Kumar, Vineet Kumar Tevatia, and Ajit Kumar, under the supervision of ACP Kailash Singh Bisht. The operation dealt a severe blow to the dangerous terror syndicate operated by Bhatti and his foreign accomplices.
The arrested individual is 18-year-old Harmandeep Singh, also known as Harman, a resident of Rampur district in Uttar Pradesh. Authorities recovered a can of black spray paint from him, which was used to write “TTH” graffiti at three locations in the Talwara area of Hoshiarpur district, Punjab. Additionally, his mobile phone contained incriminating chats with Shahzad Bhatti and handlers based in Pakistan, along with images and videos of the graffiti.
The Special Cell had been monitoring Shahzad Bhatti, who has been orchestrating terrorist activities in India from Pakistan. Investigations revealed that Harman was in regular contact with Bhatti and his foreign associates through various social media platforms. Harman claimed that his associates were involved in a shooting incident at Kashmiri Gate in Delhi, which Bhatti’s Pakistani accomplices later took responsibility for on social media. Under Bhatti’s instructions, Harman created “TTH” graffiti in Talwara and shared photos and videos of it. He also incited others in Rampur to engage in similar graffiti activities.
Shahzad Bhatti and his Pakistani handlers target Indian youth through social media. They analyze youth profiles to recruit them into the gang and control operations remotely, which include espionage, financial transactions, logistics, and selecting targets. Interrogations revealed that this is a well-organized foreign terror module plotting attacks, such as grenade assaults in public places, using financial incentives, remote instructions, and disposable young operatives.
Initially, new members are assigned low-risk tasks, such as cash transfers, arranging hideouts, scouting sensitive locations, and creating videos or graffiti to attract attention. After completing a few such tasks, handlers assign larger operations like grenade attacks or shootings.
Harmandeep Singh was born and raised in Shadi Nagar, Rampur. His father struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, leading his mother to return to her parental home in Matkheda. Harman attended school locally but dropped out due to a lack of interest. He later worked various jobs and became active on social media after purchasing a mobile phone, posting reels to increase his followers.
In 2023, after a violent altercation with his father, he left home and traveled to Amritsar by train. There, he met an individual claiming to be part of a criminal gang. Influenced by the gangsters’ luxurious lifestyle, Harman began following such groups on Instagram and initiated conversations.
He later followed Shahzad Bhatti and was drawn to his lifestyle. He connected with a person named Dheeraj, who had previously attacked a women’s police station in Sirsa, Haryana, with a grenade and was arrested. Harman provided financial assistance to Dheeraj and connected with Bhatti, who introduced him to a person named Ans, promising to smuggle weapons via drones. He was lured with the prospect of relocating to Dubai and earning good money upon completing tasks.
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