The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has officially declared the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The designation comes as part of the Union Government’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and follows a massive multi-state operation that crippled the group’s operational network across India.
Key Highlights of the Action
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Massive Arrest Sweep: Security agencies arrested 253 operatives linked to the network across 14 states and registered over 80 FIRs.
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Drone-Assisted Smuggling: Investigations revealed that weapons, military-grade explosives, and narcotics were flown into India from Pakistan using drones before being distributed to local sleeper cells.
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Seizure of War-Like Stores: Raids recovered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), hand grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, automatic pistols, live ammunition, and CCTV cameras used for surveillance.
Cyber Radicalisation and ISI Blueprint
Central and state agencies, which launched coordinated operations on August 12, alleged that Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti acted as the key face of the ISI-backed syndicate. Four Pakistan-based handlers—Abid Jatt, Ajmal Gujjar, Hunain Rana, and Hasan Gujjar—were also identified as key operators managing logistics online.
The network actively used encrypted messaging apps and social media platforms to target economically vulnerable youth, individuals struggling with substance abuse, and disaffected criminals. Recruits were assigned operational tasks ranging from reconnaissance and weapons transport to executing targeted hits.
Targeted Violence and Front Groups
The Shahzad Bhatti Network has been directly linked to several violent incidents across the country, including:
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An IED blast outside the BSF headquarters in Jalandhar.
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A petrol-bomb attack on an RSS office in Ranchi.
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Targeted killings of police personnel and public figures in Punjab.
Security inputs indicate that under direct orders from Pakistan’s ISI, the syndicate adopted the front name Hindustan Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTH) and paid local operatives to erect propaganda posters across multiple states.
The formal UAPA designation empowers law enforcement and intelligence agencies to freeze assets, prosecute associates, and dismantle the remaining financial and logistical infrastructure of the network across India.