New Delhi: More than 250 people were arrested across 14 states in connection with 80 FIRs, thwarting the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti network’s plans for “subversive attacks” ahead of Independence Day, the government said Monday.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), substantial recoveries were made including IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges and CCTV cameras allegedly used for espionage.
In a post on X platform, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri 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.”
According to a government official, 253 people were detained across 14 states in connection with the crackdown. The Shahzad Bhatti network, which operates from Pakistan, is backed by the ISI and has been linked to several grenade, IED and petrol bomb attacks, as well as targeted killings across India, the official said.
The network has also been paying local conduits to conduct reconnaissance of police, defence and religious sites and install CCTV cameras for espionage, added the official.
According to the MHA, a coordinated multi-state operation was carried out on 12 August to thwart disruptions planned around Independence Day, using a real-time intelligence-sharing system in coordination with state police forces.
“It led to 253 detentions across 14 states—Uttar Pradesh (62), Haryana (52), Delhi (51), Punjab (44), Rajasthan (15), Maharashtra (8), Uttarakhand (5), Karnataka, Gujarat and Bihar (3 each), and Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K and Kerala (2 each)—with fresh FIRs registered in Delhi and Karnataka,” the statement said.
Cumulatively, more than 80 FIRs have been registered under the UAPA, BNS, Arms Act, NDPS Act and Explosive Substances Act, according to the statement.
(Edited by Amrtansh Arora)