In last 6 months, India’s biggest anti-terror crackdown: Explosives, drone weapons and radical network spread across states busted

India’s security agencies have mounted one of the biggest counter-terror offensives in six months, uncovering a sprawling network spanning at least eight states. Nearly 2,900 kilograms of explosives, along with drone-supplied weapons, radical propaganda material, and foreign communication links, were seized in a series of coordinated raids between May and November.

The operations, led by state police forces, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and anti-terror squads from Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh, have exposed an intricate web connecting Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGH), Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and ISIS-linked cells operating within India.

Massive explosives recovery from Faridabad and Jammu & Kashmir

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The most significant breakthrough came between October 19 and November 10, when a joint team of the Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana Police uncovered 2,921 kilograms of explosives during a sweeping investigation that began with the discovery of JeM posters in Srinagar.

Following a chain of arrests across Nowgam, Shopian, Ganderbal, Faridabad, and Saharanpur, investigators traced the cache to Hafeez Mohammad Ishtiaq, an imam in Mewat, Haryana. His house contained 2,563 kilograms of explosives, rifles, pistols, and gunpowder. Several arrests followed, including Dr Muzammil from Al-Falah Medical College, Faridabad, and Dr Adeel from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Officials described the case as part of a “white-collar terrorist network”, involving educated professionals radicalised to support banned groups. The matter has now been handed over to central security agencies.

Pakistan’s drone supply route exposed

On November 9, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) exposed a new cross-border supply route involving Pakistan-based handlers who used drones to deliver weapons and fake documents into India. Two youths from Uttar Pradesh and a doctor from Hyderabad were arrested for managing the logistics chain within India.

According to investigators, the accused helped establish safe houses and supply lines for foreign-trained operatives. The case has raised concerns about drone-assisted infiltration and the use of local recruits to conceal foreign-sourced arms.

What explains the spread of radical networks across states?

The Rajasthan ATS arrested Maulvi Osama Umar from Jalore district on November 7 for alleged links with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Umar had been radicalising youth online for over four years, using encrypted communication channels to recruit followers and spread extremist ideology.

Similarly, the Delhi Police Special Cell dismantled an ISIS-inspired module “Saut-ul-Ummah” on October 27, arresting two men who were planning a suicide attack. The team recovered IED-making materials, detonators and timer devices. Two more suspects, trained as Fidayeen (suicide attackers), were arrested days later.

These operations highlight a disturbing pattern - a network of digitally connected, ideologically aligned cells operating independently but sharing resources and direction through encrypted apps and social media channels.

Six-month anti-terror trail: Key arrests and recoveries

Between May and September, counter-terror units conducted several operations revealing diverse terror fronts:

May 20, Punjab: Six members of an ISI-backed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) module were arrested following an encounter in Batala.

May 19, Hyderabad: Two ISIS-linked suspects were caught with explosive components, foiling a city-level bombing plot.

July 24, Gujarat–Uttar Pradesh: The AQIS (Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent) network promoting “Ghazwa-e-Hind” was neutralised.

August 27, Delhi–Nepal border: The NIA arrested Arif Hussain alias Abu Talib, accused of supplying weapons via the border and tied to the Vizianagaram ISIS case.

September 30, Uttar Pradesh: Four men were arrested for forming a group called Mujahideen Army, accused of planning assassinations and a violent campaign for Sharia rule.

September 17, Andhra Pradesh: Raids across eight states dismantled an online ISIS network radicalising youth through encrypted apps and social media.

September 11, multiple states: A Pakistan-backed module plotting IED attacks was busted across Delhi, Jharkhand, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh.

Government orders nationwide review of counter-terror systems

The Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered a comprehensive review of anti-terror protocols, including tighter monitoring of ammonium nitrate stockpiles, drone surveillance near border zones, and scrutiny of digital financial trails.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed law enforcement agencies to pursue all links and ensure that “those behind such conspiracies face the strictest punishment.” The government reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, noting that the coordinated effort of state and central agencies had prevented several planned attacks.

Security has been strengthened across the Delhi-NCR region, airports, and major cities. Intelligence-sharing between state police and national agencies has been intensified, with special focus on radicalisation through online platforms and educational institutions.