03 June,2026 04:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Probe deepens into alleged terror plot as Bhayandar man taken into custody. Representational Pic
A joint operation by the Delhi Police Special Cell and the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has led to the arrest of a 26-year-old man from Bhayandar, near Mumbai, in connection with an alleged Pakistan-based ISI and Mumbai underworld-linked terror module, reported IANS.
The accused, identified as Huzaifa Farooq Ahmed Hashmi, was taken into custody on Wednesday as investigators continued their probe into a network that authorities claim was planning attacks in Delhi and Mumbai.
As per the news agency, the officials said that Hashmi was arrested from Bhayandar and later produced before a court in Thane. During the hearing, the judge reportedly asked if he knew the reason for his arrest to which Hashmi positively replied.
Investigators from the Delhi Special Cell and Maharashtra ATS sought the court's permission to take the accused to Delhi for further questioning.
To support their request, investigators presented screenshots of chat conversations and banking transaction records allegedly linked to the accused.
The court also sought details about how Hashmi would be transported to the national capital. The joint investigation team informed the court that he would be taken to Delhi by train.
When asked about the travel duration, officials requested a three-day transit warrant, which the court approved. Hashmi is expected to be produced before the Patiala House Court in Delhi on Friday.
According to investigators, Hashmi had been in contact over the past month with Yawar Khan, who is allegedly based in Pakistan. Officials are now examining the nature of those communications and any possible links to the wider network under investigation.
The latest arrest comes days after the Delhi Police Special Cell arrested nine individuals on May 30 in connection with an alleged Pakistan-based ISI-Mumbai underworld module, as per the news agency.
According to investigators, the accused were allegedly operating at the direction of handlers linked to Pakistan and had connections with Dawood Ibrahim syndicate. As per officials, the group was involved in activities linked to a larger conspiracy and was planning attacks in Delhi and Mumbai, reported the news agency.
As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities have identified nearly 600 individuals across India who were allegedly in contact with Pakistani gangster Shahzad Bhatti through various channels, mainly social media platforms.
Investigators are examining these connections to determine whether they have any role in the alleged network.
Earlier in the operation, Sajid Mehboob Sheikh, also known as Arbaz Khan, was arrested from Kurla in Mumbai, while Tauqeer Rizwan Sheikh was apprehended from Mumbra. Both have already been brought to Delhi for further investigation.
The probe is continuing and further arrests have not been ruled out.
(With IANS Inputs)
