New Delhi, 17 August (H.S.): Security agencies have launched a major crackdown on the Pakistan intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN), detaining 253 suspected members across 14 states and registering more than 80 First Information Reports (FIRs) against the network.

A coordinated multi-state operation was conducted on August 12 through a system for sharing real-time intelligence with state police forces to prevent possible disruptions linked to the SBN around Independence Day. A total of 253 people were detained across 14 states, including 62 in Uttar Pradesh, 52 in Haryana, 51 in Delhi, 44 in Punjab, 15 in Rajasthan, eight in Maharashtra, five in Uttarakhand, three each in Karnataka, Gujarat and Bihar, and two each in Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala. New FIRs have also been registered in Delhi and Karnataka.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in a post on social media platform X on Monday that the Narendra Modi government had dismantled the ISI-backed terrorist group ‘Shahzad Bhatti Network’ ahead of Independence Day and foiled its plans for dangerous attacks by arresting more than 200 of its members.

He said Indian security forces simultaneously conducted operations at multiple locations across 14 states to dismantle the network, describing the action as a significant example of India’s ‘zero-tolerance’ policy towards terrorism.

Shah said the group, which allegedly received funding from the ISI, was found in possession of a large quantity of explosive and other incriminating material. The recoveries included improvised explosive devices (IEDs), grenades bearing markings of the Pakistan Ordnance Factories, pistols, live ammunition and CCTV cameras allegedly intended for surveillance. The network was reportedly involved in several terrorist activities.

The SBN has been described as an ISI-backed terrorist syndicate. It has allegedly been involved in grenade, IED and petrol-bomb attacks as well as targeted killings in India. According to the security agencies, the network paid local associates to conduct reconnaissance of police installations, defence establishments and religious sites, besides installing CCTV cameras for surveillance purposes.

More than 80 FIRs and over 200 arrests have so far been recorded in connection with the SBN. The cases have been registered under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Arms Act, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and Explosive Substances Act.

The recoveries included IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factories markings, pistols, live ammunition and surveillance-oriented CCTV cameras. Security agencies said these findings indicate the network’s alleged direct cross-border links.

Security agencies have reiterated that the Indian government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards cross-border terrorism and that coordinated operations will continue to dismantle the SBN network across the country.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar