The Delhi Police Crime Branch has made significant progress in dismantling an alleged international arms smuggling and terrorism operation reportedly connected to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan. The recent apprehension of two additional suspects has raised the total number of individuals arrested in the case to twelve. The suspects, Imran, aged 37, and Mohammad Kamran, aged 27, were taken into custody at Indira Gandhi International Airport on April 2 following a lookout circular issued by authorities.

Following extensive questioning, the police formally charged both men, who are believed to have maintained close ties with the fugitive mastermind Shahbaz Ansari. Investigators indicated that these operatives had been active in the operation for nearly a year, assisting in vital logistics, safe transport, and the ultimate distribution of illegal arms throughout the network.

The authorities have indicated that Imran and Kamran were instrumental in receiving arms shipments routed from Pakistan to India via Nepal. Their duties included the reassembly of dismantled firearms and the delivery of these weapons across various locations.

Sophisticated Smuggling Operations Uncovered

Investigations have exposed a complex international smuggling route for the arms in question. Sources suggest that weapons were allegedly procured from Pakistan, passed through Thailand, and subsequently transported to Nepal. This routing purportedly aimed to eliminate any direct connections to India.

Upon arrival in Nepal, shipments were divided into smaller components and illicitly transported into India using concealed routes. Police discovered vehicles equipped with professionally designed hidden compartments tailored for transporting these arms. The precision in crafting these concealed spaces made them nearly undetectable during standard inspections. A notable instance included a Maruti Swift vehicle allegedly involved in the smuggling operation.

Based on disclosures from the two latest detainees, the Crime Branch recovered a .30 bore Chinese pistol, a .32 bore revolver, and eleven cartridges. Earlier investigations had resulted in the seizure of twenty-three sophisticated foreign-made weapons, two hundred and eleven cartridges, and a sub-machine gun.

Links Established to ISI and Terrorist Activities

The investigation has revealed concerning links to Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI. Authorities indicate that Shahbaz Ansari, the alleged kingpin currently in hiding, was reportedly in contact with operatives based in Pakistan and Nepal. These individuals purportedly directed him to infiltrate foreign weaponry into India via his network of associates.

Officials speculate that Ansari may be hiding in Bangladesh. Interrogations of previously arrested individuals have suggested that a significant shipment of weapons seized on March 25—including firearms manufactured in Brazil, Germany, and Turkey—was reportedly dispatched by Ansari from Bangladesh.

Shahbaz Ansari, a resident of Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh, is regarded as one of India’s most wanted arms traffickers. He is alleged to have supplied firearms used in the assassination of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. Following a prior arrest by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) tied to this case, Ansari secured bail on medical grounds linked to his spouse’s health condition.

Authorities believe that the arms seized in the recent operations were intended for a prospective major terror assault, aimed at disrupting religious gatherings, festivals, and crowded public locales. Officials assert that the timely intervention of law enforcement may have thwarted a substantial terror incident that could have resulted in severe casualties and communal discord.

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