Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Monday that Indian security forces successfully dismantled the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) in a series of coordinated operations across 14 states. This operation, conducted just ahead of Independence Day, resulted in the arrest of over 200 operatives linked to the network. Shah emphasized that these efforts thwarted planned terror attacks aimed at various locations throughout the country.
Officials have alleged that the SBN used Sarkar to target the family members of at least six serving members of the West Bengal Cabinet. Taking to X, the Home Minister said, “Modi govt destroyed the ISI-backed terror group Shahzad Bhatti Network ahead of Independence Day and thwarted its plans for subversive attacks by arresting more than 200 operatives.
He said the operations demonstrated India’s “zero-tolerance” approach towards terrorism. “Indian security forces ripped apart the network by launching coordinated operations across different locations in 14 states, upholding a brilliant example of India’s zero-tolerance towards terrorism,” Shah said. The raids also led to the recovery of IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges and CCTV cameras allegedly used for espionage, according to the Home Minister. Investigators said the network’s handlers remained in regular contact with her through encrypted messages on social media platforms.
