Security Agencies Bust ISI-Backed Shahzad Bhatti Network Ahead of Independence Day
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New Delhi: In a major pre-Independence Day operation, security agencies have dismantled the Pakistan-based, ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN), detaining 253 people across 14 states and thwarting plans for subversive attacks in the country.
The coordinated crackdown was carried out on August 12 under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, as part of the government’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards cross-border terrorism.
Announcing the action on X, Home Minister Amit Shah 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 added that “substantial recoveries, including IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges, and CCTV cameras used for espionage, were made from the ISI-funded group. The network was involved in several terrorist activities.”
What is the Shahzad Bhatti Network
Security agencies said SBN is a Pakistan-based terror syndicate run with ISI support. The network has been linked to grenade, IED and petrol bomb attacks, as well as targeted killings across India.
Investigations revealed that SBN was paying local conduits to conduct recce of police, defence and religious sites, and to install CCTV cameras for espionage purposes.
The August 12 Crackdown
To counter SBN-linked disruptions planned around Independence Day, agencies used a real-time intelligence-sharing system with State Police forces to launch simultaneous raids.
The operation led to 253 detentions across 14 states. State-wise break-up: Uttar Pradesh (62), Haryana (52), Delhi (51), Punjab (44), Rajasthan (15), Maharashtra (8), Uttarakhand (5), Karnataka (3), Gujarat (3), Bihar (3), Telangana (2), Himachal Pradesh (2), J&K (2) and Kerala (2). Fresh FIRs were registered in Delhi and Karnataka during the operation.
Cumulatively, over 80 FIRs and more than 200 arrests have been recorded against SBN operatives. Cases have been filed under UAPA, BNS, the Arms Act, NDPS Act and Explosive Substances Act.
Recoveries made during the nationwide raids include IEDs, grenades with Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges and CCTV cameras used for surveillance — further confirming the network’s direct cross-border links.
The crackdown comes days ahead of Independence Day celebrations, with agencies on heightened alert across the country.
