NEW DELHI — The Delhi Police Special Cell successfully dismantled a dangerous criminal conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the national capital region. On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, officials confirmed the arrest of two operatives linked to Shahzad Bhatti, a notorious Pakistan-based gangster and ISI proxy. The suspects, identified as Rajveer (21) and Vivek Banjara (19), were allegedly preparing to execute high-profile target killings, shootings, and grenade attacks across Delhi-NCR. This breakthrough followed weeks of surveillance after a case was registered on March 31, 2026, regarding a larger conspiracy involving international handlers.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Praveen Kumar Tripathi, the arrests exposed a sophisticated recruitment model. Bhatti and his ISI-linked associates utilized social media platforms to lure young, impressionable individuals into a life of crime. The handlers promised “easy money” to draw the recruits deeper into their network. Initially, the suspects were tasked with logistics, but the assignments quickly escalated to lethal operational roles. Consequently, the prompt intervention by the Special Cell prevented what could have been a catastrophic series of incidents in the capital.
Social Media Recruitment and the “Rana Bhai” Handler
The investigation revealed that the primary accused, Rajveer, first made contact with the network through social media. He was directly handled by an individual known as “Rana Bhai,” a close associate of Shahzad Bhatti. Under Rana Bhai’s direction, Rajveer took on central responsibilities, including coordinating weapon collections and identifying potential targets. Later, he introduced his associate, Vivek Banjara, to the same handlers. Both residents of Dabra, Gwalior, the duo became a mobile strike unit for the Pakistan-based module.
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Moreover, the duo’s activities spanned multiple states. In March 2026, Rajveer was instructed to procure a cache of weapons from Ahmedabad. Although that specific deal failed to materialize, it demonstrated the group’s intent to arm itself heavily. Additionally, Bhatti provided funds for their travel and logistics. These details suggest that the module operated with significant financial backing from across the border. Transitioning from planning to execution, the handlers eventually directed the pair to Punjab for their first active assignment.
Failed Firing in Zirakpur and the Move to Delhi
On April 9, the operatives traveled to Amritsar to collect a pistol, ammunition, and Rs 20,000 in cash. Their immediate mission was to open fire at a popular club in Zirakpur, Punjab. This club had reportedly received extortion threats from Shahzad Bhatti. However, the plot failed on April 11 due to a mechanical issue with the firearm. Despite the failure, Vivek recorded a video of the attempt to send to their handler as proof of their “efforts.” This digital evidence later became a crucial part of the police investigation.
Following the failed Zirakpur attempt, Rajveer returned to Delhi-NCR to prepare for a much larger operation. Police sources indicate that he was in the final stages of planning an attack on a prominent hotel in the capital when he was apprehended. The Delhi Police Special Cell arrested Vivek Banjara in Gwalior on April 16, which led them directly to Rajveer’s hideout in Sarai Kale Khan on April 18. Upon his arrest, police recovered a pistol and six live cartridges, along with mobile phones containing incriminating voice notes.
The Ongoing Battle Against ISI Proxies
The arrest of these operatives highlights a growing trend of “hybrid” threats where gangsters act as proxies for foreign intelligence agencies. Shahzad Bhatti has been previously linked by the NIA to a grenade attack in Jalandhar in 2025. By using local gangsters to carry out “terror-style” attacks, the ISI attempts to maintain a degree of deniability. The Special Cell is now focusing on identifying other young recruits who may have been contacted by “Rana Bhai” or Bhatti on platforms like Instagram and Telegram.
Furthermore, the recovery of encrypted voice notes has provided investigators with a roadmap of Bhatti’s current interests in India. The police are now coordinating with authorities in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh to dismantle the remaining remnants of this cell. As the investigation continues, the Delhi Police Special Cell remains on high alert. They urge citizens to remain vigilant against suspicious activities and report any attempts at recruitment by unknown entities online. For now, the national capital breathes a sigh of relief as a major tragedy has been averted.