ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti network destroyed ahead of I-Day; over 200 arrested
New Delhi: In a major counter-terrorism breakthrough, Indian security agencies dismantled a widespread terror plot ahead of Independence Day, arresting over 200 operatives affiliated with the Pakistan-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network across 14 states.
Announcing the success of the multi-state operation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that coordinated raids neutralised the ISI-funded syndicate and foiled its plans to execute subversive attacks across the country.
"Modi government destroyed the ISI-backed terror group Shahzad Bhatti Network ahead of Independence Day and thwarted its plans for subversive attacks by arresting more than 200 operatives," the Home Minister said in a post on X.
"Indian security forces ripped apart the network by launching coordinated operations across different locations in 14 states, upholding a brilliant example of India's zero-tolerance towards terrorism," he added, emphasizing that the network was deeply involved in several terrorist activities.
Cross-border arsenal and espionage equipment seized
A statement released by the government revealed that the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) is a Pakistan-based terror syndicate linked to targeted killings, petrol bomb strikes, and grenade and IED attacks across India. The syndicate had been paying local conduits to execute reconnaissance on defense installations, police stations, and religious sites, even deploying CCTV cameras for espionage.
During the simultaneous crackdowns, security personnel seized substantial caches of arms and explosives, including IEDs, hand grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live ammunition, and espionage equipment. The presence of Pakistani military factory markings on the seized grenades directly confirmed the syndicate’s cross-border backing.
Multi-state crackdown and ongoing investigations
The synchronised, real-time intelligence-driven operation was executed on August 12 with active cooperation from state police forces. The crackdown resulted in over 200 arrests across 14 states:
Uttar Pradesh: 62
Haryana: 52
Delhi: 51
Punjab: 44
Rajasthan: 15
Maharashtra: 8
Uttarakhand: 5
Karnataka, Gujarat, and Bihar: 3 each
Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Kerala: 2 each
Following the raids, fresh FIRs were lodged in Delhi and Karnataka. In total, over 80 FIRs have been registered and more than 200 arrests recorded against SBN operatives under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Arms Act, the NDPS Act, and the Explosive Substances Act.
"To counter SBN-linked disruptions planned around Independence Day, a coordinated multi-state operation was carried out on August 12 using a real-time intelligence-sharing system with State Police forces," the government statement noted.
Bhatti’s history of attacks under NIA radar
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is currently probing several high-profile cases involving Bhatti, who was chargesheeted as an absconder alongside another accused in April 2026.
Among the cases under investigation is a March 2025 grenade attack at the residence of social media influencer Roger Sandhu in Jalandhar, Punjab. NIA investigations also revealed that Bhatti masterminded the November 2025 explosion at the Women Police Station in Sirsa, Haryana—a case in which nine individuals, including Bhatti and Pakistan-based handler Sohail Ahmad alias Sohail Baloch, were chargesheeted in May 2026.
Additionally, Bhatti was linked to the January 2026 car bomb explosion at the Baldev Nagar police station in Ambala, Haryana, where an arrested suspect was found to be in direct communication with the mastermind.
Reaffirming the administration's stance, the government statement emphasized that "Security agencies reaffirm the Government of India's zero tolerance for cross-border terror and continued coordinated action to dismantle SBN's networks nationwide." (PTI)