Union Home Minister Amit Shah gave this information by posting on social media platform 'X'. Amit Shah wrote, “Taking forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of zero tolerance towards terrorism, the Home Ministry has declared 'Shehzad Bhatti Network' as a terrorist organization under UAPA.”
He said the group is involved in cross-border smuggling of weapons, explosives and narcotics, as well as inciting youth and petty criminals towards terrorism. The syndicate also published hate digital content targeting India's democratic structure and communal harmony.
The notification issued by the Home Ministry states that this action has been taken under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The First Schedule of the Act lists terrorist organisations, in which 'Shehzad Bhatti Network (SBN)' has now been added at number 46 after 45 organisations.
The notification said that the Shahzad Bhatti network aims to pose a serious threat to the democratic system, communal harmony and internal security of the country through cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics and terrorist activities involving the gullible youth of the country and local criminals.
The government also informed that there are several criminal cases registered against members of this network in various states. This organization radicalises the innocent youth by luring them, inspires them for anti-national activities and in collaboration with other banned organizations mobilizes resources for anti-national acts.
Also, this network spreads inflammatory messages using various digital mediums and promotes terrorism through violent activities that disturb public order, which is a serious challenge to the integrity of the country.
The Central Government has clarified that it believes that the Shehzad Bhatti Network is engaged in terrorism and has been involved in several acts of terrorism in India. On this basis, it has been declared a terrorist organization under clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 35 of UAPA.