New Delhi: The Government of India is actively working to expose and thwart every conspiracy hatched by Pakistan. Indian security agencies achieved a breakthrough ahead of Independence Day. Through a massive operation, they completely dismantled the network of the Shahzad Bhatti gang, which operated under the patronage of Pakistan’s intelligence agency. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and the guidance of Home Minister Amit Shah, Indian agencies are conducting a ‘zero-tolerance’ campaign along the border.
It was as part of this campaign that the ISI-backed network was exposed and arrests were made—a move viewed as a significant success for Indian agencies. Indian security forces dismantled this network by conducting operations across various locations in 14 states, resulting in the arrest of 253 accused individuals. More than 80 cases have been registered against them. The network’s objective was to plot a terror attack around Independence Day.
Weapons Recovered
In a major crackdown, Indian security agencies foiled the terror plot and recovered a large cache of weapons. The seizures included IEDs, pistols, and hand grenades bearing markings from Pakistani ordnance factories, alongside live ammunition.
Surveillance cameras were also recovered. Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the gang was involved in multiple terror-related activities and that security forces had exposed the network through coordinated action.
How They Targeted the Youth
Operating under the aegis of the Pakistani establishment, Shahzad Bhatti targeted Indian youth via the internet. The gang sought out young people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Disaffected youths and those struggling with drug abuse were lured and entrapped.
They were then subjected to radicalisation and assigned tasks such as espionage and surveillance of suspicious locations. Subsequently, they were entrusted with responsibilities like transporting weapons and carrying out attacks. Substantial funding was provided to the youth for these activities.
Where did the highest number of arrests take place?
Security forces launched a special operation against terror plots on August 12. The highest number of arrests—62 accused individuals was recorded in Uttar Pradesh. Haryana followed with 52 arrests, while 51 people were arrested in the capital, Delhi. Forty-four individuals were apprehended in Punjab and 15 in Rajasthan. Eight accused were arrested from Maharashtra and five from Uttarakhand. Three people each were arrested from Karnataka, Gujarat, and Bihar. Meanwhile, two arrests each were made in Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Kerala.
Over 200 arrests
According to Indian security agencies, more than 80 cases have been registered against the gang so far, resulting in over 200 arrests. The action has been taken under several stringent laws, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and the Explosive Substances Act.
