NEW DELHI: In a major crackdown on terror ahead of Independence Day, security agencies have busted the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) active in the country, arresting 253 operatives in over 80 FIRs registered across 14 states and thwarting the network’s plans to carry out subversive attacks around August 15.Pakistani-based gangster-terrorist Shahzad Bhatti, who is popular on social media, runs a network that scouts online for “vulnerable” Muslim youths across India who may belong to low-income groups, are ‘disgruntled’ or engaging in drug abuse; radicalises them; and thereafter gives them tasks like espionage, reconnaissance of potential targets, collect and transport arms sent via drones from Pakistan and engage in attacks through use of firearms and grenades. The 253 persons arrested in coordinated operations across multiple locations in 14 states, are Indian youths recruited by SBN to foment trouble around in their own country.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. Of the 253 detentions made across 14 states, 62 were in Uttar Pradesh; 52 in Haryana; 51 in Delhi; 44 in Punjab; 15 in Rajasthan; 8 in Maharashtra; 5 in Uttarakhand; three each in Karnataka, Gujarat and Bihar; and two each in Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K and Kerala — with fresh FIRs registered in Delhi and Karnataka.Home minister Amit Shah posted on X on Monday: “Modi govt 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. 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”.Shah added that the substantial recoveries made from the operatives of the ISI-funded group and their hideouts include IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges and CCTV cameras used for espionage. “The network was involved in several terrorist activities,” he shared.
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MHA in a statement said that SBN is a Pakistani-based, ISI-backed syndicate linked to grenade, IED and petrol bomb attacks and targeted killings across India. It has also been paying local conduits to recce police, defence and religious sites, and to install CCTV cameras for espionage, added the ministry.Cumulatively, over 80 FIRs and 200-plus arrests have been recorded against SBN under UAPA, BNS, the Arms Act, NDPS Act and Explosive Substances Act. Recovery of grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings confirm the network’s direct cross-border links.“Security agencies reaffirm govt of India’s zero tolerance for cross-border terror and continued coordinated action to dismantle SBN’s networks nationwide,” said the home ministry.
