In a joint operation by the Delhi Special Cell and Maharashtra ATS, 26-year-old Huzaifa Farooq Ahmed Hashmi was arrested from Bhayander near Mumbai. The accused was produced before the Thane court, which granted permission to take him to Delhi and present him before the Patiala House court. The investigating agencies also submitted documents related to chats and banking transactions in court.

The Delhi Special Cell and Maharashtra ATS conducted a joint operation and arrested 26-year-old Huzaifa Farooq Ahmed Hashmi in a case linked to Pakistan’s ISI and the Mumbai underworld module. The accused was caught from the Bhayander area adjacent to Mumbai. After the arrest, he was produced before the Thane court today. During the court hearing, the judge asked the accused if he knew the case for which he was arrested. Huzaifa Farooq Ahmed Hashmi replied that he was aware of it.

Delhi Special Cell

The Delhi Special Cell is a specialized unit of the Delhi Police in India, primarily tasked with counter-terrorism and intelligence operations. Established in the wake of rising militancy and organized crime in the 1980s, it has played a key role in investigating high-profile cases, including terrorist attacks and cross-border conspiracies. Known for its discreet operations, the unit operates with a focus on national security, often collaborating with other intelligence agencies.

Maharashtra ATS

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) is a specialized law enforcement agency in the Indian state of Maharashtra, primarily tasked with combating terrorism and organized crime. Established in the early 2000s following major terrorist attacks in Mumbai, including the 1993 Bombay bombings and the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the ATS has played a crucial role in investigating high-profile cases and preventing terror activities. Its headquarters is located in Mumbai, and it operates under the supervision of the Maharashtra Police.

Bhayander

Bhayander is a suburban area located in the Thane district of Maharashtra, India, situated along the western coast near Mumbai. Historically, it was a small fishing village and later developed into a significant railway junction during the British colonial era, connecting the Mumbai suburban railway line. Today, it is a densely populated residential and industrial hub, known for its mangroves, creeks, and the nearby Bhayander Fort, a historic structure dating back to the 16th century.

Mumbai

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is India’s financial and entertainment capital, located on the west coast. Originally a cluster of seven islands inhabited by fishing communities, it was ceded to the British in 1661 and rapidly developed into a major port and commercial hub. Today, Mumbai is a vibrant, densely populated metropolis known for Bollywood, historic landmarks like the Gateway of India, and its resilient spirit.

Thane court

The Thane court, located in Thane, Maharashtra, India, is a historic judicial institution with roots dating back to the British colonial era. Established in the 19th century, it has served as a key legal center for the region, overseeing civil and criminal cases. The court building itself is an architectural landmark, reflecting the colonial design of the period.

Patiala House court

The Patiala House Court, located in New Delhi, India, is a historic district court complex originally built as a residence for the Maharaja of Patiala in the early 20th century. The building later served as a British military hospital and then as a government office before being converted into a court in the 1970s. It is now widely known for handling high-profile criminal and civil cases, including those involving politicians and celebrities.

Pakistan’s ISI

Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is the country’s premier intelligence agency, established in 1948 shortly after Pakistan’s independence. Initially created to coordinate military intelligence during the First Kashmir War, it evolved into a powerful organization involved in national security, counterintelligence, and foreign policy, particularly regarding Afghanistan and India. The ISI has been both praised for its effectiveness and criticized for its covert operations and influence in domestic politics.

Mumbai underworld

The Mumbai underworld refers to the organized crime networks that have operated in India’s financial capital since the mid-20th century, with roots in smuggling, extortion, and illegal gambling. It gained notoriety in the 1970s and 1980s under figures like Dawood Ibrahim, who built a vast empire linked to drug trafficking and terrorism, eventually leading to the 1993 Mumbai bombings. Today, while its power has diminished due to law enforcement crackdowns, the underworld’s legacy continues to shape the city’s culture, film industry, and security landscape.