The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has initiated a large-scale operation to investigate suspected connections between individuals in the state and Shahzad Bhatti, a gangster based in Pakistan. The ATS has questioned 112 people identified in relation to this case. Teams from all 14 ATS units in Maharashtra began the operation at 7 a.m. on Friday, visiting locations of individuals believed to have been in contact with Bhatti through social media platforms.
Multiple locations across Maharashtra are currently under search as part of this operation. Searches and inquiries are ongoing in various areas including Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Mira Road, Sangli, Satara, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The agency is exploring potential links between the identified individuals and Shahzad Bhatti, who is suspected of using social media to influence young people towards anti-national activities.
The Maharashtra ATS is focusing on gathering information about the communication patterns, online interactions, and any potential associations between the individuals and the Pakistan-based gangster. The agency has clarified that the investigation is in progress, and further actions will be determined based on the findings of the inquiry. Since 2025, the police have dismantled nine modules linked to Shahzad Bhatti, a former social media influencer turned security threat.
Bhatti has emerged as a central figure in the dismantled modules, with four being uncovered by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad and five by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police. Intelligence Bureau officials have noted a concerning pattern, indicating a new type of threat that Indian agencies are confronting. The agencies remain vigilant as Bhatti poses a persistent threat, waiting for an opportunity to strike India.
