253 suspects detained across 14 states in ISI-backed Bhatti network case
New Delhi, August 17: The Security agencies have taken a major action against Pakistan’s intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) backed Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) and detained 253 suspects in 14 states. More than 80 FIRs have been registered against this network.
A coordinated multi-state operation was launched on August 12 through a real-time intelligence sharing system with state police forces to prevent possible disturbances related to SBN around Independence Day. A total of 253 people have been detained in 14 states, including Uttar Pradesh (62), Haryana (52), Delhi (51), Punjab (44), Rajasthan (15), Maharashtra (8), Uttarakhand (5), Karnataka, Gujarat, and Bihar (3 each), and two each in Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Kerala. New FIRs have been filed in Delhi and Karnataka.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a post on the social media platform X on Monday, stated that the Modi government had dismantled the ISI-backed terrorist group “Shahzad Bhatti Network” before Independence Day and foiled its plans for dangerous attacks by arresting over 200 members.
He stated that Indian security forces dismantled the network through simultaneous operations at various locations in 14 states, a prime example of India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
Shah added that a large quantity of explosives was recovered from the group, which was funded by the ISI. This included IEDs, grenades marked with Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live ammunition, and CCTV cameras used for espionage. This network was involved in numerous terrorist activities.
The SBN is an ISI-backed terrorist syndicate. It has been involved in grenade, IED, and petrol bomb attacks and targeted killings in India. The SBN paid local associates to conduct reconnaissance of police, defense, and religious sites and installed CCTV cameras for espionage.
To date, more than 80 FIRs and over 200 arrests have been registered against the SBN. These cases are registered under the UAPA, BRICS, Arms Act, NDPS Act, and Explosive Substances Act. The seizure of IEDs, grenades marked with Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live ammunition, and CCTV cameras used for espionage confirms the network’s direct cross-border links.
Security agencies have reiterated that the Indian government has a zero-tolerance policy towards cross-border terrorism and will continue to conduct coordinated operations to dismantle the SBN network across the country.
