Says 253 detained, over 200 arrested, 80 FIRs filed in 14 states against Shahzad Bhatti network
New Delhi, Aug 17: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that ahead of Independence Day Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Govt destroyed an ISI-backed terror network ahead of Independence Day, with security forces successfully thwarting the Shahzad Bhatti terror network’s plans to carry out subversive attacks across the country.
In a post on X, the Union Home Minister, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “Modi govt 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.”
“Indian security forces ripped apart the network by launching coordinated operations across different locations in 14 states upholding a brilliant example of India’s zero-tolerance towards terrorism,” Shah said.
The Union Home Minister said, “Improvised explosive devices (IEDs), grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges, and CCTV cameras used for espionage were recovered from the ISI-funded group and the network was involved in several terrorist activities.”
Meanwhile, in a statement, the MHA said the terror syndicate was busted in a “major multi-state crackdown. “Two hundred and fifty-three (253) people were detained across 14 states. More than 80 FIRs stand registered and over 200 arrests have been recorded against the Shahzad Bhatti Network as part of the zero-tolerance policy towards cross-border terrorism.”
It said, “The operation was carried out in coordination with state police forces and followed intelligence inputs on activities linked to the network. In Uttar Pradesh 62 people, in Haryana 52, in Delhi 51, in Punjab 44, in Rajasthan 15, in Maharashtra 8, in Uttarakhand 5, in Karnataka, Gujarat and Bihar, 3 each, and Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala 2 each, were detained.”
“Fresh FIRs were registered in Delhi and Karnataka during the operation. The cases have been registered under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and Explosive Substances Act,” the statement said.
According to the statement, Shahzad Bhatti Network is based in Pakistan and has been linked to grenade, improvised explosive device and petrol bomb attacks as well as targeted killings in India.
“The network also allegedly paid local operatives to conduct reconnaissance of police, defence and religious sites and install closed-circuit television cameras for surveillance,” it said, adding, “Security agencies recovered improvised explosive devices, pistols, live cartridges and closed-circuit television cameras during investigations, while some grenades recovered from the accused bore Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings.”
The statement said the August 12 operation was conducted using a real-time intelligence-sharing mechanism involving central agencies and state police forces. “Investigations into the network and its associates are continuing.” (KNO)
