Indian security forces dismantled an alleged ISI-backed terror network led by Shahzad Bhatti ahead of Independence Day [1, 3].
The operation represents a significant disruption of foreign-sponsored militant activity aimed at destabilizing India during its national celebrations. By neutralizing the cell across multiple states, security agencies aimed to prevent coordinated attacks during a high-security period.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that more than 200 operatives were arrested [3]. Other reports indicate the number of arrests reached 253 [2]. The crackdown spanned 14 states [2], including operations in Jalandhar, Punjab, where police targeted a module linked to Babbar Khalsa International [2].
During the raids, security forces seized a cache of weaponry and surveillance gear. The recovered items included IEDs, grenades, pistols, and ammunition [1]. Authorities also recovered CCTV equipment, which suggests the network was conducting reconnaissance for planned strikes [1].
The network was allegedly managed by Shahzad Bhatti with support from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) [1, 2]. The operation targeted a wide geographic area to ensure the complete collapse of the cell's communication, and logistics infrastructure [2].
Security forces conducted these arrests in mid-August 2024 to thwart the plot before the holiday [1, 3]. The scale of the arrests across 14 states indicates a highly decentralized network that relied on local operatives to execute foreign directives [2].
“Security forces dismantled an alleged ISI-backed terror network led by Shahzad Bhatti.”
The dismantling of the Shahzad Bhatti network highlights the ongoing security challenge India faces regarding cross-border terrorism. The involvement of 14 different states suggests that alleged ISI-backed modules are moving away from localized cells toward a more distributed national footprint. The seizure of CCTV equipment alongside explosives indicates a shift toward sophisticated surveillance and planning, necessitating increased inter-state intelligence sharing among Indian security agencies.
