Indian security forces have successfully dismantled an ISI-backed terror syndicate, the Shazhad Bhatti Network, through a massive, coordinated operation spanning 14 states just before Independence Day. This extensive crackdown led to the arrest of 254 terrorists and the recovery of incriminating materials such as grenades marked by the Pakistan Ordnance Factory, spy cameras, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), effectively thwarting their malicious plans for subversive activities across the country.

Indian security forces have successfully dismantled an ISI-backed terror syndicate, the Shazhad Bhatti Network, through a massive, coordinated operation spanning 14 states just before Independence Day. This extensive crackdown led to the arrest of 254 terrorists and the recovery of incriminating materials such as grenades marked by the Pakistan Ordnance Factory, spy cameras, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), effectively thwarting their malicious plans for subversive activities across the country.

Indian security forces have successfully dismantled an ISI-backed terror syndicate, the Shazhad Bhatti Network, through a massive, coordinated operation spanning 14 states just before Independence Day. This extensive crackdown led to the arrest of 254 terrorists and the recovery of incriminating materials such as grenades marked by the Pakistan Ordnance Factory, spy cameras, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), effectively thwarting their malicious plans for subversive activities across the country.

In a massive well-coordinated operation spread across 14 states, security forces have busted an ISI-backed terror syndicate, Shazhad Bhatti Network ahead of Independence Day.

At least 254 terrorists have been arrested so far. Recoveries include grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, spy cameras, IEDs, pistols and live catridges.

Taking to X, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the government thwarted the plans of the ISI-backed terror group for subversive attacks. "Indian security forces ripped apart the network by launching coordinated operations across different locations in 14 states, upholding a brilliant example of India's zero-tolerance towards terrorism," he said.

The Centre said the Shahzad Bhatti Network is linked to grenade, IED and petrol bomb attacks and targeted killings across the country. The group has been funding local operatives to spy on police as well as defence and religious sites. It has also been paying people to install CCTV cameras for espionage.

One of the cases allegedly linked to the terror network is the grenade attack on the Jalandhar residence of social media influencer Roger Sandhu in March 2025. 

NIA had chargesheeted Shahzad Bhatti as an absconder in the case. According to NIA, Bhatti was the mastermind in multiple explosions in Haryana, including the November 2025 blast at the Sirsa women police station as well the January 2026 bombing at Baldev Nagar police station in Ambala.

"To counter SBN-linked disruptions planned around Independence Day, a coordinated multi-state operation was carried out on August 12 using a real-time intelligence-sharing system with State Police forces," a government statement said.

The highest number of arrests were from Uttar Pradesh (62), followed by Haryana (52), Delhi (51), Punjab (44), Rajasthan (15), Maharashtra (8) and Uttarakhand (5). Three each were nabbed from Bihar, Gujarat and Karnataka while two each were held in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala.

"Cumulatively, over 80 FIRs and 200-plus arrests have been recorded against SBN under UAPA, BNS, the Arms Act, NDPS Act and Explosive Substances Act," added the government statement.

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