New Delhi, Aug 2026 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said Indian security forces had dismantled the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) ahead of Independence Day, foiling plans to carry out subversive and terror-related attacks across the country.
According to Shah, security forces arrested more than 200 operatives linked to the network during coordinated operations carried out across multiple locations in 14 states.
Taking to X, the Home Minister said the Modi government had destroyed the terror network and thwarted its plans ahead of Independence Day. He said the operations demonstrated India’s “zero-tolerance” approach towards terrorism.
Shah said the security forces launched coordinated operations at different locations to dismantle the network and prevent its operatives from carrying out planned attacks.
The operations also resulted in the recovery of a substantial quantity of suspected terror-related material. According to the Home Minister, the seizures included IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live ammunition and CCTV cameras allegedly used for espionage activities.
“The network was involved in several terrorist activities,” Shah said, while highlighting the scale of the security operation.
The development comes amid an ongoing investigation into the Shahzad Bhatti network and its alleged links to Pakistan-based handlers. Security agencies have been examining suspected terror, surveillance and espionage activities associated with the network.
In late July, the West Bengal Special Task Force arrested two key suspects in a Pakistan-linked terror and espionage module. The arrested individuals were identified as suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed operative Mohammad Hamim Mondal and his associate Arpita Sarkar.
According to officials, investigators found that the network had allegedly targeted family members of at least six serving members of the West Bengal Cabinet through Sarkar. The suspected handlers were also reportedly in regular contact with her through encrypted communications on social media platforms.
The West Bengal STF has since expanded its investigation into associated surveillance and espionage networks in the region. Investigators are examining seized digital devices and international communication links as they work to establish the wider extent of the network and its activities.
The latest arrests and recoveries are expected to provide security agencies with further leads into the alleged terror network and its operational links.
Further details regarding the arrests, the suspected attack plans and the ongoing investigation are awaited.
