New Delhi: To curb the expanding network of alleged ISI-backed gangster Shahzad Bhatti, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has declared the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The MHA’s move comes after more than 200 people were arrested across 14 states in connection with 80 FIRs, thwarting the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network’s alleged plans to carry out “subversive attacks” ahead of Independence Day. A multi-state operation was carried out on 12 August, using a real-time intelligence-sharing system in coordination with state police forces.
According to an MHA statement, substantial recoveries were made including IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges and CCTV cameras allegedly used for espionage. Cumulatively, more than 80 FIRs were registered under UAPA, BNS, Arms Act, NDPS Act and Explosive Substances Act.
ThePrint had earlier reported that a proposal to designate Bhatti and his network has been sent to the MHA and is likely to be approved soon.
Pursuing PM Shri @narendramodi Ji's vision of zero tolerance against terror, the MHA declares the Shahzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist organisation under the UAPA.
The group is involved in smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics across borders, apart from inciting youths…
— गृहमंत्री कार्यालय, HMO India (@HMOIndia) September 16, 2026
According to the MHA, the group is involved not only in the cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics, but also in inciting gullible youths and petty criminals to engage in terrorist activities targeting India’s democratic institutions and communal harmony. The syndicate has also allegedly disseminated hateful content through digital platforms and poses a serious threat to the country’s internal security, the ministry said.
The notification issued by MHA states: “Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) is involved in radicalising gullible youth by offering various allurements, motivating them for anti-national activities, and mobilising resources for antinational acts in collusion with other banned organisations and designated entities.”
It adds: “Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) is promoting terrorism through violent activities that disrupt public order and by using various digital communication platforms to disseminate provocative messages, posing a serious challenge to the integrity of the nation.”
“The network is involved in terrorism and has participated in various acts of terrorism in India,” it further says.
The cases registered against the SBN across India include those under the Explosives Act, the Information Technology Act, Arms Act, UAPA, Official Secrets Act, Immigration and Foreigners Act. The network also faces multiple cases under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
“The decision was taken after consultations with all state and central agencies, keeping in mind the growing footprint of the Shahzad Bhatti network. He has been involved in multiple terror cases across the country. Moreover, he managed to radicalise and recruit thousands of youngsters from across the country who have been involved in multiple cases in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and other states,” a source said.
Bhatti allegedly lured youngsters with small sums of money to install solar-powered CCTV cameras near security establishments, enabling surveillance of high-impact installations and individuals, and to “plant Molotov cocktails”. The network has also allegedly been paying locals to conduct reconnaissance of police, defence and religious sites and install CCTV cameras for espionage.
(Edited by Gitanjali Das)