NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 ; The Central Government on Wednesday declared the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), adding the Pakistan-based network to the First Schedule of the legislation.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification under Section 35(1)(a) of the UAPA, formally designating SBN as a terrorist organisation. The notification states that the government believes the network is involved in terrorism and has participated in various terrorist activities in India.
Cross-Border Arms, Explosives and Narcotics Allegations
According to the government’s notification, the network allegedly seeks to involve vulnerable youth and local criminals in the smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics across the border.
The notification further states that SBN is accused of radicalising young people through inducements, mobilising resources for unlawful activities and using digital communication platforms to circulate provocative messages.
The government has cited cases registered against alleged members of the network under several laws, including the UAPA, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act, Explosives Act and Information Technology Act.
253 People Detained in Multi-State Action
The designation follows a major security crackdown against the network earlier this year.
According to the Press Information Bureau, security agencies conducted operations across 14 states, with 253 people detained and more than 80 FIRs registered in cases linked to the network. More than 200 arrests have also been reported.
The network has been described by Indian authorities as having links to cross-border criminal and terror activities.
Bhatti’s Alleged Criminal and Terror Links
Shahzad Bhatti, a Pakistan-based gangster, has been named by Indian agencies in investigations involving alleged cross-border arms and narcotics networks.
Authorities have also alleged that the network has been involved in targeted attacks, grenade-related incidents and efforts to recruit young people through social media.
The government notification provides the legal basis for the organisation’s designation but individual allegations against Bhatti and other persons remain matters for investigation and judicial proceedings.
Social Media Allegedly Used for Recruitment
Security agencies have alleged that the network uses digital platforms to influence and recruit young people by offering financial incentives for criminal and terror-related activities.
The government notification specifically refers to the use of digital communication platforms to disseminate provocative messages and to efforts aimed at radicalising vulnerable youth.
Moosewala and Other Criminal Cases
Bhatti’s name has also been linked in media and investigative accounts to several high-profile criminal cases, including the 2022 killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and other alleged targeted attacks.
These links are allegations reported by investigative agencies and media sources; they should not be treated as judicially established facts unless proved in court.
Government Formally Adds SBN to UAPA List
With Wednesday’s notification, Shahzad Bhatti Network becomes serial number 46 in the First Schedule of the UAPA, which lists organisations designated as terrorist organisations under Indian law.
The designation brings the organisation and its activities within the legal framework applicable to terrorist organisations under the UAPA.
The development follows the government’s wider action against networks allegedly combining organised crime, cross-border smuggling, digital recruitment and terrorism-related activities.
