India designates Shahzad Bhatti Network as terrorist organisation

The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs has officially designated the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The government described the group as an ISI-backed syndicate that aims to threaten India’s internal security, communal harmony, and democratic system.

Investigations revealed that the network utilized drones to smuggle weapons, military-grade explosives, and narcotics from Pakistan into India. Security agencies conducted a massive multi-state operation, resulting in the arrest of 253 operatives across 14 states and the registration of over 80 FIRs. Seized items included improvised explosive devices (IEDs), hand grenades, and automatic pistols.

The SBN reportedly focused on radicalising vulnerable youth and local criminals through encrypted messaging apps and social media to facilitate smuggling and targeted violence. The group has been linked to several incidents, including an IED blast at the BSF headquarters in Jalandhar, a petrol-bomb attack in Ranchi, and targeted killings in Punjab.