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

Over 200 operatives of the ISI-backed terror group Shahzad Bhatti Network were arrested across India in a coordinated operation ahead of Independence Day, according to Home Minister Amit Shah. The arrests were made to thwart the terrorist group's plans for subversive attacks, demonstrating India's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, as Shah posted on X. The operation targeted the Shahzad Bhatti Network, a Pakistan-based terror syndicate responsible for grenade, IED, and petrol bomb attacks, as well as targeted killings in India.

Recoveries included IEDs, grenades with Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges, and CCTV cameras used for espionage. Authorities found Bhatti involved in multiple terrorist activities, including the March 2025 grenade attack at social media influencer Roger Sandhu's residence in Jalandhar, Punjab, the November 2025 explosion at a Women Police Station in Sirsa, Haryana, and the January 2026 blast at a Baldev Nagar police station in Ambala, Haryana.

Over 80 FIRs and more than 200 arrests were made across 14 states, with fresh charges filed under various laws like UAPA, BNS, the Arms Act, NDPS Act, and Explosive Substances Act.