# Indian crackdown on Shahzad Bhatti network > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/indian-crackdown-on-shahzad-bhatti-network > Updated: 2026-09-16T11:04:53.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 5. 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 reconnaissance. In response, Shahzad Bhatti released a video denying the allegations, claiming the detainees are associated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and asserting that approximately 3,000 of his associates remain active. Pakistan has rejected the claims as ‘baseless propaganda.’ As of late August, the Assam Special Task Force (STF) has continued its investigation, arresting a fifth suspect, Mrigen Haloi, on August 31. This follows the August 26 arrest of Fazal Islam Barbhuiyan. Authorities allege the network seeks to establish sleeper cells across Assam and the Northeast using encrypted communication and social media. On September 16, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs officially designated the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). ## Claims - Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the dismantling of the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network. (corroborated by 12 sources) - Seized items included IEDs, grenades with Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, and CCTV cameras. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Security forces conducted coordinated operations across 14 Indian states on August 12. (corroborated by 9 sources) - A senior Pakistani official rejected the allegations as an attempt to distract from internal issues. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The operation resulted in 253 detentions and over 200 arrests. (corroborated by 4 sources) - More than 80 FIRs were registered against the network. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Shahzad Bhatti Network was allegedly used for reconnaissance of defense installations and religious sites. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The STF arrested two suspects in July linked to a Pakistan-linked terror and espionage module. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-16: India designates Shahzad Bhatti Network as terrorist organisation India has designated the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist organisation under the UAPA following a multi-state crackdown that saw 253 arrests and the seizure of explosives and weapons. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-designates-shahzad-bhatti-network-as-terrorist-organisation ### 2026-09-01: Assam authorities arrest fifth suspect linked to Shahzad Bhatti Network Assam authorities have arrested a fifth suspect linked to the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network, amid investigations into suspected sleeper cells in Northeast India. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/assam-authorities-arrest-fifth-suspect-linked-to-shahzad-bhatti-network ### 2026-08-20: Shahzad Bhatti denies Indian crackdown on his network Pakistan-based operative Shahzad Bhatti has denied India's claims of a major crackdown on his network, asserting that 3,000 of his men remain active despite recent mass detentions. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shahzad-bhatti-denies-indian-crackdown-on-his-network ### 2026-08-17: India dismantles ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network across 14 states Indian security forces dismantled the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network through operations across 14 states, arresting over 200 operatives. Pakistan has rejected the allegations as baseless propaganda. 18 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 --- Cite as: Indian crackdown on Shahzad Bhatti network. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/indian-crackdown-on-shahzad-bhatti-network