Pune, 11th July 2026: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has questioned more than 200 people across the state for allegedly maintaining contact on social media with Pakistani gangster Shehzad Bhatti and members of his criminal network.
Raids were carried out in Pune, Mumbai and several other districts on Friday as part of the investigation.
Several suspects have been detained for questioning, while officials continue to examine their online communications and possible links with the network.
According to investigators, Bhatti and his associates, including Ajmal Gujjar and alleged sharpshooter Munna Zhingada, were using social media platforms to interact with individuals in India. The group allegedly glorified criminal activities through online content and attempted to influence young users.
The ATS is investigating whether these online interactions were aimed at recruiting or encouraging individuals to participate in activities that could threaten national security.
Senior ATS officials said the operation was launched to disrupt the suspected network and identify anyone involved in unlawful activities. Authorities have stated that strict legal action will be taken against those found to have played an active role in any anti-national or criminal conspiracy.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials are analysing digital evidence collected during the raids to determine the extent of the alleged network.
