Following a crackdown by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Rajasthan, seven youths from Sri Ganganagar district have been detained for their alleged connections to a social media network linked to Pakistan-based terror operative Shahzad Bhatti. The ATS, in collaboration with intelligence agencies, conducted raids across multiple locations to identify individuals involved in anti-national activities or maintaining cross-border contacts. The detained youths are currently undergoing joint interrogation by various agencies.
No concrete evidence has been publicly disclosed yet, but security agencies are closely monitoring the detained youths. Their gadgets are under surveillance, and their locations are being traced as part of the ongoing investigation. Intelligence and security agencies in the border districts have been placed on high alert following the ATS raids.
Shahzad Bhatti, the alleged mastermind, is suspected of using drones to smuggle heroin, foreign-made weapons, and RDX explosives from Pakistan into India. He has been attempting to recruit local youths, especially those looking for quick money through illicit activities. In response, ATS and police teams are conducting a statewide probe into suspicious social media accounts and potential online links with Pakistan-based operatives.
Recent investigations have uncovered connections between local youths and Bhatti’s network. For instance, a resident of Kera Chak village was arrested for being in regular contact with Bhatti through social media platforms. Similarly, another individual was apprehended for possessing an illegal weapon and having incriminating messages related to Bhatti on his phone. These arrests highlight the ongoing efforts to combat the influence of such networks in the region.
