Shahzad Bhatti alone has 15 cases registered against him in Punjab – File Photo
Indian security agencies dismantled the Shahzad Bhatti Network, a terrorist organisation linked to Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI, ahead of Independence Day.
The agencies conducted operations in 14 states. They claim to have arrested over 200 people from the network and foiled their attack conspiracy.
According to the Home Ministry, this joint operation was conducted on 12 August through a Real-Time Intelligence Sharing System with state police forces.
Shah says zero-tolerance policy against terrorism
Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed about the action by posting on X.
He said that this network was involved in several terrorist activities. Shah wrote,
The Modi government destroyed the ISI’s terrorist organisation Shahzad Bhatti Network before Independence Day. Over 200 members were arrested, and their attack conspiracy was foiled. Indian security forces broke this network by conducting operations at different locations in 14 states. This is an excellent example of India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.
IED, Grenades and Pistols Recovered
Amit Shah informed that IEDs, grenades with Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges and CCTV cameras used for espionage have been recovered from this ISI-funded group.
According to the Home Ministry, the ISI syndicate is connected to grenade, IED and petrol bomb attacks in India. This network has also been involved in target killings.
The ministry said that the network paid local helpers to conduct reconnaissance of police, defence, and religious sites. Additionally, CCTV cameras were installed at these locations for espionage purposes.
Over 80 FIRs Registered
According to the Home Ministry, over 80 FIRs have been registered against the Shahzad Bhatti network so far.
These cases have been registered under UAPA, the Indian Justice Code, the Arms Act, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, and the Explosive Substances Act.
The ministry said that the recovered IEDs, grenades with Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges, and CCTV cameras used for espionage confirm this network’s direct cross-border connections.
NIA claims Bhatti is hiding in Brazil
According to a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into Punjab-linked terror attacks in July, Pakistani social media influencer Shahzad Bhatti is hiding in Brazil.
The NIA claims that Bhatti recruits young people in Brazil through various social media platforms and then adds them to his WhatsApp group to carry out criminal activities.
