Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Monday that Indian security agencies have dismantled the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network, described as an ISI-backed terror syndicate, through coordinated multi-state operations conducted ahead of Independence Day.
In a social media post, Mr. Shah stated that the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi ‘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.’ He added that security forces conducted operations across locations in 14 states, calling it a demonstration of India’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism.
Substantial recoveries reportedly included improvised explosive devices (IEDs), grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges, and CCTV cameras allegedly used for espionage. The Home Minister noted that the network had been involved in several terrorist activities.
According to a Ministry of Home Affairs statement, the crackdown on August 12 involved a real-time intelligence-sharing system with state police forces. It resulted in the detention of 253 people across 14 states, with over 80 FIRs registered and more than 200 arrests recorded under laws including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, NDPS Act, and Explosive Substances Act.
State-wise detentions included 62 in Uttar Pradesh, 52 in Haryana, 51 in Delhi, 44 in Punjab, 15 in Rajasthan, eight in Maharashtra, five in Uttarakhand, three each in Karnataka, Gujarat and Bihar, and two each in Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Kerala. Fresh FIRs were filed in Delhi and Karnataka.
Shahzad Bhatti Network
Officials described the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) as a Pakistan-based syndicate linked to grenade attacks, IED and petrol bomb incidents, and targeted killings in various parts of India.
The group is also accused of paying local intermediaries to conduct reconnaissance of police, defence and religious sites and to install surveillance cameras for espionage purposes.
Recoveries of items with Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings were cited as evidence of cross-border connections.
Shahzad Bhatti, a Pakistan-based figure who has also been linked to activities involving Dubai, has faced multiple investigations by Indian agencies, including the National Investigation Agency. He has been named in cases such as a March 2025 grenade attack on the residence of a social media influencer in Jalandhar, Punjab, as well as other incidents involving explosions at police facilities in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.
Agencies have previously alleged that the network recruits operatives in India through social media, offering financial incentives, and maintains ties to organised crime elements.