Pune, 14th May 2026: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Wednesday launched a major statewide operation against individuals allegedly linked to Pakistani gangster Shahzad Bhatti.
Raids and inquiries were carried out at multiple locations across Maharashtra as part of the investigation into a suspected online radicalization and criminal network.
According to ATS officials, around 57 suspects across the state have been identified for questioning in connection with Bhatti. Among them, four persons from Pune district are believed to have been in contact with the Pakistan-based gangster through social media and encrypted communication platforms.
In Pune, ATS teams conducted searches in Warje, Shirur and Chakan areas. Officials examined the suspects’ movements, mobile phone records and social media activities as part of the ongoing probe. Sources said that some mobile phones and digital devices were also seized during the operation.
Investigators suspect that Shahzad Bhatti used platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp and encrypted applications to contact young people in India. He allegedly lured them with money and encouraged them to gather sensitive information, transport weapons, issue threats or conduct reconnaissance for possible attacks.
Officials also suspect that some youths were influenced through aggressive ideological content circulated online. ATS said the investigation is sensitive from a national security perspective and questioning of the suspects is currently underway.
According to Indian investigating agencies, Shahzad Bhatti is a Pakistan-based gangster whose name has surfaced in cases related to organized crime, arms smuggling, online radicalization and alleged ISI-linked activities. He presents himself as a social media personality and has a significant online following through videos and digital content.
Bhatti’s name came into focus after the Delhi Police Special Cell, in April 2026, uncovered a module allegedly planning grenade attacks, firing incidents and targeted killings in the Delhi-NCR region. Investigators claimed Bhatti was one of the key handlers behind the network.
He was also linked to a 2025 incident in Punjab in which grenade-like objects were allegedly thrown at a YouTuber’s residence. Following the incident, Punjab Police reportedly initiated action to block some of his social media accounts after videos linked to the attack surfaced online.
While Bhatti portrays himself as a digital influencer, Indian agencies consider him a suspected figure connected to organized criminal and extremist networks operating from Pakistan.
