What Do We Know About Shahzad Bhatti Network, Now Listed As Terrorist Organisation Under UAPA
Officials said the network used Instagram and a gaming-style recruitment module to lure about 30 Mumbai youths into surveillance tasks and cross-border smuggling.
- On Wednesday, the Union Home Affairs designated the Shahzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities Act . The ministry cited the syndicate's involvement in smuggling arms and inciting terrorism, threatening internal security.
- Pakistan-Based gangster Shehzad Bhatti allegedly recruits youth through Instagram to smuggle explosives and narcotics. The group publishes hateful content to undermine democratic structures, according to a government notification issued on Wednesday.
- Bhatti used a "gaming mission" model to test recruits, assigning simple tasks like recording public buildings to gauge compliance. Officials identified approximately 30 young men in Mumbai contacted through social media, though most refused to act.
- Uttar Pradesh ATS recently arrested Krishna Mishra and Daniyal Ashraf for maintaining links with the network. Officials allege Mishra photographed the Narpoli Police Station in Bhiwandi, sharing reconnaissance footage with handlers in Pakistan.
- Although most identified youths ignored the assignments, officials flagged one case where tasks progressed beyond simple reconnaissance. SBN aims to involve local criminals in smuggling activities that pose a serious threat to communal harmony, according to the notification.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Centre Declares Pak-Based Shahzad Bhatti Network As Terrorist Outfit
A gazette notification issued by the Union Home Affairs on Wednesday invoked Section 35(1)(a) of the UAPA to add "Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN)" to the First Schedule of the Act, which lists banned...
Home Ministry declares Shahzad Bhatti Network as terrorist organisation under UAPA
The group is involved in radicalising gullible youth by offering various allurements, motivating them for anti-national activities, and mobilising resources for anti national acts in collusion with other banned organisations and designated entities.
India declares Shahzad Bhatti Network a terrorist organisation under UAPA
The designation comes weeks after a nationwide crackdown in which 253 people were detained across 14 states and more than 80 FIRs were registered in cases linked to the network. Investigators have alleged that Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti and his associates used social media and encrypted communication platforms to recruit and radicalise people in India.
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