India declares Shahzad Bhatti Network a terrorist organisation under UAPA

The designation comes weeks after a nationwide crackdown in which 253 people were detained across 14 states and more than 80 FIRs were registered in cases linked to the network. Investigators have alleged that Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti and his associates used social media and encrypted communication platforms to recruit and radicalise people in India.MHA declares Shahzad Bhatti Network terrorist organisation under UAPA (Photo: ITG)The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday declared the Shahzad Bhatti Network a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), citing its alleged involvement in cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics, recruitment of vulnerable people into terrorism and attacks targeting India's democratic structure and social harmony.According to the MHA, the syndicate also allegedly published hateful digital content and sought to incite youths and petty criminals towards terrorism. The action comes as part of the Centre's stated policy of zero tolerance against terrorism.The network had recently come under a nationwide crackdown, with security and investigating agencies carrying out coordinated operations across 14 states.253 OPERATIVES ARRESTEDAccording to the government, 253 operatives linked to the Shahzad Bhatti Network were arrested across 14 states during the nationwide action, while more than 80 FIRs were registered in connection with the network. The coordinated operation began on August 12 and involved central and state agencies. Investigators alleged that the network was being used to facilitate the cross-border smuggling of weapons, explosives and drugs.Probes also indicated that weapons and explosives were allegedly flown in from Pakistan using drones before being distributed through local networks in India.IEDS, GRENADES RECOVERED The network has been accused of involvement in grenade attacks, IED blasts, petrol-bomb attacks and targeted killings.During the crackdown, agencies recovered IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges and CCTV cameras allegedly used for surveillance.The network has also been linked to several targeted killings in Punjab, including attacks on police personnel. Other incidents mentioned in connection with the network include an IED attack outside the BSF headquarters in Jalandhar and a petrol-bomb attack on an RSS office in Ranchi.SOCIAL MEDIA RECRUITMENTInvestigating agencies have alleged that the network used social media to recruit and radicalise people in India. Economically vulnerable people, those struggling with drug abuse and individuals described as disaffected were allegedly targeted online.Those recruited were allegedly assigned tasks including reconnaissance, surveillance, weapons transportation and facilitating terror attacks.Shahzad Bhatti, described in the inputs as a Pakistani-origin gangster, has been identified as the key face of the alleged ISI-linked terror-gangster network.Four Pakistan-based associates have also been identified: Abid Jatt, Ajmal Gujjar, Hunain Rana and Hasan Gujjar. They allegedly operated from Pakistan and used social media to recruit people in India.TTH POSTERS IN SEVERAL STATESThe network has also been linked to a group calling itself Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan (TTH). According to the inputs, the name was adopted at the alleged direction of the ISI.The network also allegedly paid people to put up TTH posters in several states in a recent campaign.The MHA's latest action formally designates the Shahzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist organisation under the UAPA, strengthening the legal framework for action against the network and its alleged activities.- EndsPublished By: Priyanka KumariPublished On: Sep 16, 2026 15:57 IST