Security Agencies Detain 253 Across 14 States In Operation Against ISI-Linked Network

Security agencies detained 253 people across 14 states in a coordinated operation targeting the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN), an alleged Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)-linked syndicate that Indian authorities have accused of involvement in violent and criminal activities across the country. The operation was conducted on August 12 using a real-time intelligence-sharing mechanism involving central agencies and state police forces. Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the crackdown as a major success in the fight against cross-border terrorism. In a post on X, Shah said security agencies had dismantled the alleged Shahzad Bhatti Network and arrested more than 200 operatives during coordinated raids conducted at multiple locations.

According to officials, the network is suspected of being involved in a range of violent activities, including grenade attacks, improvised explosive device (IED) blasts, petrol bomb incidents and targeted killings. The allegations form part of the investigations being conducted by security agencies, with further details expected to emerge as the cases progress. The operation also resulted in the recovery of several items that authorities said were linked to the alleged network's activities. These included IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols and live ammunition. Security agencies also recovered CCTV cameras that were allegedly being used for surveillance or espionage-related activities, officials said.

The coordinated action covered 14 states, highlighting the nationwide scope of the investigation. Central agencies worked alongside state police forces through an intelligence-sharing mechanism to identify suspects and conduct simultaneous operations. The use of real-time information was described by authorities as a key element of the crackdown. The operation comes amid heightened concern among Indian security agencies over alleged cross-border networks operating through multiple states. Authorities have increasingly focused on identifying individuals suspected of facilitating attacks, supplying weapons, providing logistical assistance or maintaining links with handlers operating from outside India.

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The Shahzad Bhatti Network has been described by Indian authorities as a Pakistan-based network with alleged links to Pakistan's ISI. Investigators are examining the suspected structure of the network and the roles allegedly played by those detained during the operation. The precise nature of each individual's involvement will have to be established through separate investigations and legal proceedings. The seizures made during the operation are expected to form part of the evidence being examined by investigators. IEDs, firearms and ammunition can provide investigators with leads about the alleged operational capabilities of a network, while surveillance equipment could help establish whether suspects were monitoring potential targets or gathering information.

The scale of the arrests also means investigators are likely to examine possible links among suspects across different states. Coordinating such a large network would potentially require communication, financing, logistics and recruitment channels, all of which could become areas of investigation following the raids. Shah said the operation demonstrated the government's stated policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. The Union government has repeatedly stressed the need to disrupt terrorist networks before they can execute attacks, particularly those suspected of receiving support or direction from across India's borders.

The crackdown is now expected to be followed by detailed questioning of those detained, examination of seized material and further investigation into the alleged network. Additional arrests or charges could follow if investigators establish links between the suspects and specific incidents. While authorities have described the operation as a significant disruption of the Shahzad Bhatti Network, the allegations against individual detainees will ultimately have to be tested through due legal process. The investigation will determine the extent of their alleged involvement and whether the seized material can be linked to specific criminal or terror-related activities.

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