Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said security forces had dismantled the Pakistan-based, ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network ahead of Independence Day, thwarting plans for subversive attacks across India.
According to Shah, more than 200 alleged operatives of the network were arrested during coordinated operations carried out across 14 states. He said the crackdown demonstrated the government’s “zero-tolerance” approach towards terrorism.
Security forces also made substantial recoveries, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges and CCTV cameras allegedly used for espionage, Shah said in a social media post.
The Home Minister said the network was involved in several terrorist activities and was linked to grenade, IED and petrol-bomb attacks as well as targeted killings.
According to the Union Home Ministry, the syndicate had also been paying local operatives to conduct reconnaissance of police, defence and religious sites and install CCTV cameras for surveillance and espionage.
Shah said the coordinated action by security agencies had successfully disrupted the network and prevented its alleged plans to carry out attacks ahead of Independence Day.
