Shahzad Bhatti denies Indian crackdown on his network

Shahzad Bhatti, a Pakistan-based operative described by Indian authorities as a gangster-turned-terror operative, has released a video challenging recent security crackdowns in India. Bhatti denies that the individuals recently detained by Indian security agencies are members of his network, claiming instead that they are associated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

Bhatti asserted that while the Indian government reported the detention of over 250 alleged members of his ISI-funded network across 14 states, approximately 3,000 of his associates remain active and roaming freely. He challenged the Indian government to publicly identify the detainees and display the weapons and explosives allegedly recovered during the operations.

Indian officials, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, previously announced the dismantling of the Shahzad Bhatti Network, reporting the seizure of grenades, pistols, and surveillance equipment. Investigators have noted that the network utilizes extensive social media presence across platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube for recruitment and propaganda.