700 Arrested in Shahzad Bhatti Terror Network Crackdown; Intelligence Agencies Warn of Comeback With Religious Pitch

November 6, 2026

New Delhi: Indian security agencies have busted a huge network of about 700 people believed to be associated with banned terror suspect Shahzad Bhatti and foiled various plots, including installation of surveillance devices at busy places, targeted attacks and drug and fake currency trafficking.

However, despite dismantling the main module of the network, the intelligence agencies have said the Bhatti module is trying to re-establish itself in India. This time, the network has focused on targeting people based on their faith. The promise of money and a luxurious lifestyle is also being offered.

The operation to dismantle the Bhatti module was among the biggest challenges faced by Indian investigative agencies in recent times, officials said, adding that efforts to detect the remaining operatives of the network was ongoing.

700 Arrested, But Challenges Faced Due To Social Media Accounts

The operation has foiled various plots allegedly planned by the Bhatti module, including installation of CCTV cameras at important and busy places, targeted attacks and trafficking.

“The network has been mostly busted, but we face issues in monitoring their online activity. We have sent more than 100 take down requests to Meta for the Instagram accounts. As soon as they take down some accounts, more than 50 new accounts are coming up. It is a big challenge for us,” an official said.

The Intelligence agencies believe the Bhatti module is using Instagram to target youth and spread radical propaganda.

New Recruitment Drive Focuses On Protecting Faith

This time around, a large focus has been put on protecting faith, an Intelligence Bureau official said.

Initially, when the network was established there was no focus on religion. They targeted youth of various faiths and offered them money.

“We have seen them offering minimal money to the recruits and asking them to do certain things. They show them photos of Bhatti and his associates with luxury cars and houses to inspire them to join the network and have a luxurious lifestyle,” he said.

However, he added that these were just tricks and the network had no plans to offer them this lifestyle.

This time around, the network is combining both religion and money to entice people to join.

“They are intentionally using religion to entice people to join. They will only offer minimal money to the recruits. The idea is to use the religious sentiments of the youth to entice them to join,” he said.

Recruits can be offered between Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 and promised a better lifestyle in Dubai, Pakistan or Nepal.

Bhatti Moved To Pakistan After Initial Crackdown

Intelligence agencies monitoring Bhatti said he was moved to Pakistan after the initial major crackdown, which led to hundreds of arrests. This comes after Bhatti was declared a banned terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

However, he has recently travelled to Dubai and Portugal and is continuing to monitor the module and plan operations in India, officials said.

In addition, investigations have shown the network have also planned fake passports for various youth recruits to help them escape India after a major attack.

Officials believe the strategy is to create a bigger army of youth.

“While the religious push would be much higher this time, the overall strategy remains the same — pay less and recruit more. Bhatti does not want to build just a network in India, but wants to create an army of youths who would fight for a religious cause,” officials said.

Previously, the Bhatti module was involved in installing surveillance devices, drug trafficking and fake currency trafficking. However, the network is now looking to expand its operations.

The network has been linked to attacks on police in Punjab, the explosion outside the Border Security Force (BSF) headquarters in Jalandhar and petrol bomb attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Jharkhand.

Officials have warned the network could plan similar operations moving forward.

They expect Instagram to still be used as a tool for radicalisation and spreading anti-India hate messages. Encrypted messaging apps like Telegram are also being widely used to plan intense attacks.

Security agencies are continuing to monitor the remaining operatives of the network and their attempts to lure in youth.