Pakistan-Based Gangster Shahzad Bhatti Allegedly Recruiting Indian Youths Through Social Media, Former NIA Officer Warns

Mumbai: Former National Investigation Agency (NIA) official Atulchandra Kulkarni has warned of a growing threat posed by a Pakistan-based gangster named Shahzad Bhatti, who allegedly recruits Indian youths through social media for violent activities. According to Kulkarni, who previously served with Maharashtra ATS and the Intelligence Bureau, Bhatti has amassed a significant following on social media, with around 250,000 followers, despite his criminal background.

Initially posting light-hearted content like reels, Bhatti's network in Pakistan remains operational, and he employs a deceptive recruitment method targeting young, vulnerable men.

Kulkarni explained that Bhatti first builds a following, then reaches out to individual followers, primarily from impoverished or lower-middle-class backgrounds. He offers them seemingly harmless tasks, such as putting up posters or filming videos, in exchange for small payments. Over time, these tasks escalate, leading recruits into more violent activities. Kulkarni cited examples of recruits being involved in attacks on RSS office-bearers and killings of policemen.

Reports indicate that over 300 Indian youths have contacted Bhatti's network. Kulkarni believes the network is controlled by the ISI, and Bhatti was either co-opted by them or was groomed from the start. He also noted that Bhatti has connections with a Mumbai gangster, Munna Zingada, who relocated to Pakistan, adding a sinister dimension to the network. Kulkarni emphasized that this threat should not be taken lightly.