Pune, 14th July 2026: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Tuesday launched coordinated raids at more than 60 locations across Pune city, Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune rural as part of a wider investigation into an alleged network linked to Pakistani gangster Shahzad Bhatti and his suspected connections with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
The operation is part of an ongoing statewide crackdown. ATS had carried out similar searches in different parts of Maharashtra a few days ago, and investigators have now expanded the operation in Pune district based on fresh intelligence.
Officials said simultaneous searches were conducted at multiple locations, and several individuals have been detained for questioning. Evidence collection and verification are currently underway.
According to the preliminary investigation, Shahzad Bhatti and his associates allegedly used platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Telegram and WhatsApp to establish contact with young people and influence them.
ATS is examining digital evidence to identify the network's reach, communication channels and the purpose behind these online interactions. Investigators believe more information could emerge as the probe progresses.
Security agencies suspect that unemployed and financially vulnerable youths were allegedly targeted with promises of easy money and financial assistance.
Investigators are looking into whether such individuals were being recruited as sleeper cells or local operatives. The probe also covers possible links to intelligence gathering, narcotics trafficking and illegal arms supply.
Shahzad Bhatti, a Pakistan-based social media personality originally from Lahore, is believed to operate criminal networks from Dubai with alleged links to the Dogar gang and other organised crime groups.
Indian security agencies suspect he has used his online presence to attract young followers before attempting to expose them to extremist ideology and espionage-related activities. His name has surfaced in several recent investigations related to alleged terror recruitment and spying networks.
Following intelligence inputs suggesting that some youths in Maharashtra may have been in contact with him, ATS launched the current operation to identify and dismantle the suspected network. Officials said the investigation is continuing, and further action will depend on the evidence recovered during the raids.
