Shahzad Bhatti | Hyderabad, Nov. 6: Indian security agencies have arrested around 700 people suspected of links to proscribed terrorist Shahzad Bhatti. Officials said the crackdown disrupted several alleged terror plots, including surveillance operations, targeted killings and cross-border smuggling.
Despite dismantling much of the network, intelligence agencies have warned that Bhatti’s operatives are attempting to rebuild their operations. Their latest recruitment strategy reportedly places greater emphasis on religious identity.
According to officials, the network initially recruited young people from different religious backgrounds using financial incentives. Some recruits were allegedly offered as little as ₹5,000 for carrying out assigned tasks.
Handlers reportedly showed recruits photographs of Bhatti and his associates posing with luxury cars and expensive homes. Officials said they used promises of a wealthy lifestyle to attract young people.
Shahzad Bhatti | Intelligence Agencies Warn of New Recruitment Strategy
An Intelligence Bureau official said the network was now exploiting religious sentiments to recruit young people. Recruits are reportedly being offered ₹3,000 to ₹5,000, along with promises of better lives in Dubai, Pakistan or Nepal.
Investigators also found that the network allegedly prepared fake passports for some recruits. These documents were intended to help them escape India after carrying out major attacks.
Meanwhile, security agencies have submitted more than 100 requests to Meta to remove Instagram profiles linked to the network. However, officials said more than 50 new profiles appeared as existing accounts were taken down.
Authorities said Bhatti was moved to Pakistan after India designated him a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. However, officials claim he has travelled to Dubai and Portugal in recent months while continuing to oversee the network.
The module has also been linked by police to attacks on personnel in Punjab, a blast outside the BSF headquarters in Jalandhar and a petrol bomb attack on the RSS headquarters in Jharkhand.
Officials said the network was expanding its alleged operational activities. Instagram was reportedly being used for recruitment and radicalisation, while encrypted platforms such as Telegram were used for planning and coordination.
Security agencies continue to track the remaining operatives and efforts to revive the network.
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