NEW DELHI, August 17, 2026 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said security agencies have dismantled a major ISI-backed terror network linked to Shahzad Bhatti, arresting more than 200 operatives across 14 states ahead of Independence Day and foiling plans for subversive attacks.
Shah said the coordinated operation demonstrated the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and highlighted the effectiveness of intelligence sharing between central agencies and state police forces.
Multi-State Operation Foils Terror Plot
According to the government, a coordinated operation was launched on August 12 using a real-time intelligence-sharing mechanism involving State Police forces.
More than 200 arrests were made across 14 states:
- Uttar Pradesh — 62
- Haryana — 52
- Delhi — 51
- Punjab — 44
- Rajasthan — 15
- Maharashtra — 8
- Uttarakhand — 5
- Karnataka, Gujarat & Bihar — 3 each
- Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir & Kerala — 2 each
Fresh FIRs were also registered in Delhi and Karnataka, according to the government statement.
IEDs, Grenades and Weapons Recovered
Security agencies reportedly recovered a substantial quantity of suspected terror-related material, including IEDs, grenades carrying Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live ammunition and CCTV cameras allegedly intended for surveillance and espionage.
The government said the recovery of grenades bearing Pakistani markings points to cross-border links associated with the network.
Shah said the coordinated action had “ripped apart” the network and prevented its plans to carry out attacks around Independence Day.
What Is the Shahzad Bhatti Network?
According to the government statement, the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) is a Pakistan-based terror syndicate allegedly involved in grenade, IED and petrol-bomb attacks as well as targeted killings in different parts of India.
Investigators also allege that the network recruited and paid local conduits to conduct reconnaissance of police installations, defence establishments and religious sites, besides installing CCTV cameras for espionage purposes.
NIA Cases Linked to Bhatti
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is investigating multiple cases allegedly involving Shahzad Bhatti.
Investigators have linked him to the March 2025 grenade attack at the residence of social media influencer Roger Sandhu in Jalandhar, Punjab. In April 2026, the NIA chargesheeted Bhatti as an absconder along with another accused in the case.
The agency has also alleged that Bhatti masterminded the November 2025 explosion at the Women Police Station in Sirsa, Haryana, and the January 2026 blast at Baldev Nagar Police Station in Ambala.
In the Sirsa case, the NIA chargesheeted nine accused, including Bhatti and Pakistan-based handler Sohail Ahmad alias Sohail Baloch, in May 2026.
The Ambala case involved a car-bomb explosion, with investigators finding that one arrested accused had allegedly been in contact with Bhatti.
80+ FIRs Under Multiple Laws
The government said that, cumulatively, more than 80 FIRs and over 200 arrests have been recorded against individuals linked to the SBN under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, NDPS Act and Explosive Substances Act.
Shah Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Policy
In a message on X, Amit Shah said the Modi government had acted decisively to dismantle the network before Independence Day and prevent planned attacks.
The government said security agencies would continue coordinated operations to identify and dismantle remaining elements of the network across the country.
The operation underscores the government’s continued focus on intelligence-led, multi-state counter-terrorism operations and disrupting cross-border terror networks.
