253 detained across 14 states in coordinated crackdown; over 80 FIRs registered; IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols and espionage CCTV cameras recovered
Suliman Saith
New Delhi, Aug 17 (BuzzBytes): Security agencies have carried a major multi-state crackdown against the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) ahead of Independence Day and busted its terror syndicate. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, 253 people were detained across 14 states, over 80 FIRs and 200+ arrests recorded against SBN as part of the ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards cross-border terrorism.
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. Substantial recoveries, including IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges, and CCTV cameras used for espionage, were made from the ISI-funded group. The network was involved in several terrorist activities.”
Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) is a Pakistan-based, ISI-backed terror syndicate linked to grenade, IED and petrol bomb attacks and targeted killings across India. SBN has also been paying local conduits to recce police, defence and religious sites, and to install CCTV cameras for espionage.
To counter SBN-linked disruptions planned around Independence Day, a coordinated multi-state operation was carried out using a real-time intelligence-sharing system 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.
Cumulatively, over 80 FIRs and 200+ arrests have been recorded against SBN under UAPA, BNS, the Arms Act, NDPS Act and Explosive Substances Act. Recoveries include IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges and espionage CCTVs, confirming the network’s direct cross-border links.
Officials said the recovered explosives, weapons and surveillance equipment established that the network was working in an organised manner for terrorism and subversive activity inside the country. Security agencies reaffirm Government of India’s zero tolerance for cross-border terror and continued coordinated action to dismantle SBN’s networks nationwide—(BuzzBytes).
