New Delhi, 09 June (H.S.):

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday conducted raids at 18 locations across Punjab and Haryana as part of its investigation into cases involving three gangsters linked to Pakistan-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti and his terror network. Simultaneous searches were carried out at multiple locations in both states.

During the operation, the agency questioned several individuals and seized digital devices, documents and other evidence related to communication networks, financial transactions and suspected unlawful activities.

The NIA stated that the information and evidence collected during the searches have been sent for forensic and technical examination to facilitate further investigation and help expose a larger cross-border conspiracy. Notices have also been issued to certain individuals for further questioning. The primary objective of the operation was to identify Bhatti’s associates and other persons connected to his network.

Investigations conducted so far have revealed that Shahzad Bhatti was allegedly behind the grenade attack carried out in March 2025 at the residence of social media activist Roger Sandhu in Jalandhar, Punjab. In April, the agency filed a charge sheet against Bhatti after declaring him a proclaimed absconder in the case.

The NIA has also found evidence suggesting that Bhatti was involved in planning the explosion at the Women Police Station in Sirsa, Haryana, in November 2025, as well as the car bomb attack on the Baldev Nagar Police Station in Ambala in January 2026.

In the Sirsa case, the agency filed a charge sheet in May against nine accused persons, including Shahzad Bhatti and Pakistani handler Sohail Ahmed alias Sohail Baloch. The investigation into the broader terror network and its cross-border links is continuing.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar