‘ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network dismantled’
New Delhi, Aug 17: Security agencies have dismantled the Pakistan-based, ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) in a major nationwide operation ahead of Independence Day, detaining 253 suspects across 14 states and arresting more than 200 operatives linked to the terror syndicate.
The crackdown, carried out on August 12 through coordinated operations involving central and state agencies, was aimed at thwarting alleged plans for subversive activities around Independence Day, officials said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Narendra Modi-led government had “destroyed” the Shahzad Bhatti Network and foiled its plans by arresting more than 200 operatives.
In a post on X, Shah said Indian security forces dismantled the network through simultaneous operations across multiple locations in 14 states, calling it a strong example of India’s “zero-tolerance” policy towards terrorism.
According to officials, the Shahzad Bhatti Network is a Pakistan-based terror syndicate allegedly backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and linked to grenade attacks, improvised explosive device (IED) attacks, petrol bomb incidents and targeted killings in different parts of the country.
Investigators said the network also used local operatives to conduct reconnaissance of police, defence and religious establishments and install CCTV cameras for espionage activities.
As part of the operation, security agencies detained 253 individuals across 14 states, including Uttar Pradesh (62), Haryana (52), Delhi (51), Punjab (44), Rajasthan (15), Maharashtra (8), Uttarakhand (5), Karnataka, Gujarat and Bihar (three each), and Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala (two each).
Officials said fresh FIRs were registered in Delhi and Karnataka during the latest phase of the crackdown.
Authorities said that cumulatively more than 80 FIRs have been registered and over 200 arrests made against members and associates of the Shahzad Bhatti Network under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Arms Act, NDPS Act and Explosive Substances Act.
Security agencies also reported substantial recoveries during the operations, including IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges and CCTV equipment allegedly used for espionage purposes.
Officials said the recoveries and evidence gathered during the investigation pointed to direct cross-border links of the network.
The government reiterated its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against cross-border terrorism and said coordinated efforts would continue to dismantle terror networks and their support structures across the country.
