Over 200 operatives of ISI-backed terrorist group arrested ahead of Independence Day: HM Amit Shah

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In a major counter-terror operation ahead of Independence Day, security agencies dismantled the Pakistan-based, ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network, detaining 253 people across 14 States and arresting more than 200 operatives linked to the syndicate, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Monday (August 17, 2026).

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Shahzad Bhatti Network has been linked to grenade attacks, improvised explosive device (IED) blasts, petrol bomb incidents and targeted killings in various parts of the country. Investigators said the syndicate paid local operatives to conduct reconnaissance of police establishments, defence installations and religious sites, besides installing CCTV cameras to facilitate surveillance.

Describing the operation as a significant success against cross-border terrorism, Mr. Shah said coordinated raids conducted on August 12 had thwarted plans by the network to carry out subversive activities around Independence Day. The crackdown was carried out through a real-time intelligence-sharing mechanism involving Central agencies and State police forces.

In a post on X, Mr. Shah said the operation reflected the Narendra Modi government’s “zero-tolerance” policy towards terrorism. He said security forces had “ripped apart” the ISI-backed network through simultaneous operations across multiple locations in 14 States and recovered IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges and CCTV cameras allegedly used for espionage.

The operation resulted in detentions in Uttar Pradesh (62), Haryana (52), Delhi (51), Punjab (44), Rajasthan (15), Maharashtra (8), and Uttarakhand (5). Karnataka, Gujarat and Bihar accounted for three each, while Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala accounted for two each. Fresh FIRs were registered in Delhi and Karnataka, the MHA said.

The Ministry said that cumulatively, more than 80 FIRs have been registered and over 200 arrests made in connection with the network under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Arms Act, the NDPS Act and the Explosive Substances Act.

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