In a major counter-terrorism operation ahead of Independence Day, Indian security agencies dismantled the Pakistan ISI-supported Shahzad Bhatti Network through simultaneous raids across 14 states. More than 200 suspects linked to the syndicate were arrested during the coordinated crackdown. The swift action successfully foiled potential terror plots aimed at causing violence and instability across the country prior to the August 15 celebrations.
Seizure of Explosives, Weapons, and Espionage Gear
During the extensive searches, security forces recovered a substantial stockpile of arms and lethal explosives from multiple suspect locations. The seized inventory includes multiple IEDs, pistols, live ammunition cartridges, and hand grenades. Notably, several recovered grenades bore markings of the Pakistan Ordnance Factories, providing concrete documentary evidence of cross-border involvement. Investigators also seized specialized CCTV cameras that were actively being deployed by the network for reconnaissance and espionage operations targeting sensitive locations.
State-Wise Breakdown of Operations and Arrests
The nationwide crackdown involved synchronized raids conducted by multi-agency teams across 14 states. The state-by-state distribution of apprehended individuals and actions is detailed below
- Uttar Pradesh: 62 individuals apprehended
- Haryana: 52 individuals apprehended
- Delhi: 51 individuals apprehended
- Punjab: 44 individuals apprehended
- Rajasthan: 15 individuals apprehended
- Maharashtra: 8 individuals apprehended
- Uttarakhand: 5 individuals apprehended
- Karnataka, Gujarat, and Bihar: 3 individuals each
- Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Kerala: 2 individuals each
Legal Framework and Multi-State Registration of Cases
Law enforcement agencies have registered over 80 FIRs nationwide against the Shahzad Bhatti Network to date, with new FIRs recently filed in Delhi and Karnataka during this wave of operations. Prosecutors have invoked stringent legal provisions against the accused, invoking the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act), BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), the Arms Act, the NDPS Act, and the Explosive Substances Act. This sweep follows earlier investigative steps taken in July, when the Maharashtra ATS interrogated 102 individuals who had established contact with Shahzad Bhatti.
Historic Temples and Public Venues Targeted
Operational findings indicate that the Shahzad Bhatti module had planned attacks targeting high-profile public assets, including historic temples and popular roadside eateries (dhabas). Highlighting the significance of the operation, Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the simultaneous sweeps across 14 states reflect India's strict zero-tolerance approach toward terrorism. In light of the upcoming Independence Day observances, security agencies continue active surveillance on remaining suspects and local support structures linked to the SBN syndicate.
