The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday declared the Pakistan-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), citing its alleged involvement in cross-border smuggling, radicalisation and terrorist activities.
According to a gazette notification issued by the ministry, the network's objective is to involve vulnerable youth and local criminals in smuggling arms, explosives and narcotics from across the border and use terrorist activities to pose a serious threat to India's democratic system, communal harmony and internal security.
Network accused of radicalising youth
The MHA said the group is involved in smuggling arms, explosives and narcotics across borders, while also inciting young people and petty criminals to participate in terrorism.
The ministry alleged that the network promotes terrorism through violent activities that disrupt public order and uses digital communication platforms to spread provocative and hateful content.
According to the notification, SBN radicalises gullible youth by offering various inducements, motivating them to participate in anti-national activities and mobilising resources for such acts in coordination with other banned organisations and designated entities.
The ministry said the network's activities pose a challenge to the integrity of the country and target India's democratic structure and communal harmony.
Criminal cases registered across states
Several criminal cases have been registered against SBN cadres across multiple jurisdictions for alleged unlawful and terrorist activities.
The cases invoke provisions of various laws, including those dealing with terrorism, explosive substances, arms, information technology, official secrets, immigration and foreigners.
The network is run by gangster-turned-terrorist Shahzad Bhatti, who, according to intelligence officials, is backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He reportedly operates from a third country and frequently changes his location.
August crackdown covered 14 states
The designation follows a major multi-state crackdown against the network carried out ahead of Independence Day.
According to the government, security agencies detained 253 people across 14 states on August 12 and recorded more than 200 arrests and over 80 FIRs linked to the network.
The operation covered Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Gujarat, Bihar, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala.
Security agencies also reported recovering improvised explosive devices, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges and CCTV cameras allegedly used for surveillance.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said in August that the crackdown had dismantled the network and thwarted plans for subversive attacks around Independence Day.
The latest notification formally places SBN among organisations designated as terrorist entities under the UAPA, strengthening the legal framework for action against the network and those associated with its activities.