The Delhi Police has stepped up surveillance following intelligence inputs that a terrorist Shahzad Bhatti may be planning an attack in the capital’s peripheral areas or targeting police personnel during the upcoming BRICS Summit, an official said.
As part of preventive measures, police are monitoring the activities of more than 2,000 people, including proclaimed offenders, suspects out on bail and individuals released for lack of evidence, a senior police officer, who requested anonymity, told PTI.
According to the officer, intelligence assessments indicate that any potential attack could be low-intensity and aimed primarily at creating panic and attracting attention during the summit rather than causing mass casualties.
“Intelligence and analysis suggest that Shahzad Bhatti is planning an attack in Delhi. While major installations and important areas receive ample security cover, it is not possible to secure every nook and corner. The intention behind the blast appears to be grabbing headlines rather than the impact itself,” he said.
Another intelligence input concerns a possible attack on police personnel in Delhi-NCR or neighboring areas. The officer said Bhatti could seek assistance from members of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), a proscribed pro-Khalistan organization, to carry out such an operation.
The threat assessment comes weeks before India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13. The event is expected to bring leaders and senior delegations from BRICS member countries to New Delhi, prompting security agencies to strengthen surveillance and preventive measures across the capital.
The latest intelligence inputs are also being assessed against the backdrop of a nationwide crackdown on Bhatti’s alleged criminal network. The central government recently launched a major counterterrorism operation against the syndicate, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah saying that more than 200 suspected operatives had been arrested ahead of Independence Day.
According to India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, more than 80 cases have been registered against alleged members and associates of the network under laws covering terrorism, illegal arms, explosives and narcotics.
The crackdown has also led to the seizure of improvised explosive devices, firearms, ammunition and grenades. Security agencies have also recovered equipment allegedly used for surveillance, the ministry said.
Bhatti has been under scrutiny by Indian agencies over allegations that he has built a network of recruits and criminal associates in India through online platforms. Investigators have linked the network to several cases involving grenade attacks, explosives and targeted violence in northern India.
Authorities suspect the network uses local recruits to conduct reconnaissance, arrange logistics and carry out attacks following instructions from handlers based abroad.
Police and intelligence agencies have also raised concerns over the use of encrypted communication platforms and social media to identify and recruit potential operatives.
By Vafa Guliyeva
