# Indian crackdown on Shahzad Bhatti network

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/indian-crackdown-on-shahzad-bhatti-network
> Updated: 2026-08-17T09:15:56.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026, Indian security agencies began targeting the Shahzad Bhatti network, an alleged Pakistan-based group directed by the ISI. Initial reports indicated the network used social media to radicalize youth in Uttar Pradesh and conducted raids in Assam to detain suspected operatives. Authorities alleged the group used encrypted channels and collaborated with various front organizations to gather infrastructure data and plan targeted killings.

On August 12, ahead of India’s Independence Day, security forces conducted coordinated operations across 14 states to dismantle the network. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the crackdown resulted in the arrest of over 200 operatives and the detention of 253 individuals. The Ministry of Home Affairs reported that more than 80 FIRs have been filed under various laws, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Investigations revealed the group had engaged in espionage, including targeting the families of West Bengal Cabinet members. Seized materials included improvised explosive devices, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live ammunition, and CCTV cameras used for the reconnaissance of defense and religious sites. 

Pakistan has rejected the allegations. A senior Pakistani official dismissed the claims as an attempt by New Delhi to distract from internal issues, stating that the government would not lend credibility to “unverified stories.”

## Claims

- Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the dismantling of the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Security forces conducted coordinated operations across 14 Indian states on August 12. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Seized items included IEDs, grenades with Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, and CCTV cameras. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- More than 80 FIRs were registered against the network. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The operation resulted in 253 detentions and over 200 arrests. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Shahzad Bhatti Network was allegedly used for reconnaissance of defense installations and religious sites. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The STF arrested two suspects in July linked to a Pakistan-linked terror and espionage module. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A senior Pakistani official rejected the allegations as an attempt to distract from internal issues. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-17: Shahzad Bhatti Network dismantled by Indian security forces

Indian security forces dismantled the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network across 14 states, arresting over 200 operatives and seizing weapons ahead of Independence Day. Pakistan has rejected the allegations.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-dismantles-isi-backed-shahzad-bhatti-network

### 2026-07-25: India arrests members of Pakistan‑linked Shahzad Bhatti network

India’s security forces arrested members of the Pakistan‑linked Shahzad Bhatti terror network in Uttar Pradesh and Assam, seizing phones and documents and exposing ISI‑directed youth recruitment.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-arrests-members-of-pakistanlinked-shahzad-bhatti-network

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Cite as: Indian crackdown on Shahzad Bhatti network. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/indian-crackdown-on-shahzad-bhatti-network