New Delhi: Keeping his expanding network in mind, a proposal to designate ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti as a terrorist has been sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and is likely to be approved soon, ThePrint has learnt.
“A proposal to designate Bhatti and his network has been sent to the MHA after consultations with all state and central agencies, keeping in mind its growing footprint. He has been involved in multiple terror cases across the country, making this step essential,” a source in the security establishment said.
The officer added, “Bhatti has radicalised and recruited thousands of youngsters from across the country and has been involved in subversive activities across states. He has not only recruited youngsters for targeted killings, but also for carrying out grenade, IED and petrol-bomb attacks on security establishments.”
According to a second source, Bhatti 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 been paying local conduits to conduct reconnaissance of police, defence and religious sites and install CCTV cameras for espionage, the official added.
The decision comes after a coordinated multi-state operation on 12 August to thwart alleged disruptions planned around Independence Day by the Bhatti network. The operation was carried out using a real-time intelligence-sharing system in coordination with state police forces.
More than 200 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.
Cumulatively, more than 80 FIRs have been registered under the UAPA, BNS, Arms Act, NDPS Act and Explosive Substances Act.
(Edited by Amrtansh Arora)