ISI-Backed Shahzad Bhatti Terror Network Busted, Over 200 Arrested

The Story

Security agencies launched a major multi-state crackdown against the alleged ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) ahead of Independence Day. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that over 200 operatives of the network were arrested across 14 states. Shah stated that the Modi government destroyed the SBN and thwarted its plans for subversive attacks. He described the operation as a brilliant example of India’s zero-tolerance towards terrorism. Coordinated operations were carried out across different locations in 14 states. Substantial recoveries were made from the ISI-funded group, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges, and CCTV cameras used for espionage. The SBN is described as a Pakistan-based terror syndicate linked to grenade, IED, and petrol bomb attacks, targeted killings, and espionage activities across India. The network also paid local conduits to recce police, defense, and religious sites, and to install CCTV cameras for espionage. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing multiple cases against Bhatti. These include an alleged link to the March 2025 grenade attack at the residence of social media influencer Roger Sandhu in Jalandhar, Punjab. In April 2026, the NIA chargesheeted Bhatti as an absconder, along with one other accused in that case. The anti-terror agency also found that Bhatti masterminded the November 2025 explosion at the Women Police Station, Sirsa, Haryana, and the January 2026 blast at Baldev Nagar police station in Ambala, Haryana. The Ministry of Home Affairs reported that 253 people were detained and over 80 FIRs were recorded as part of the zero tolerance policy towards cross-border terrorism.

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