More than 200 suspected terrorists and alleged terror associates were arrested in coordinated operations across 14 Indian states ahead of Independence Day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has claimed.
According to the Home Ministry, the operation targeted the Shahzad Bhatti network, which authorities describe as a Pakistan-controlled terror network allegedly supported by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Shah said the network was planning disruptive activities around Independence Day and that security agencies had successfully dismantled its operations.
In a social media post, Shah said coordinated raids were conducted at multiple locations across the country, describing the action as an example of India’s “zero tolerance” approach towards terrorism.
The Home Ministry alleged that the network was linked to grenade, improvised explosive device (IED) and petrol-bomb attacks, as well as targeted killings in different parts of India. Investigators also alleged that local associates were being financially supported to conduct reconnaissance of police facilities, defence establishments and religious sites.
According to officials, intelligence inputs led to simultaneous operations on August 12. A total of 253 people were detained, with more than 200 subsequently arrested as suspected terrorists or alleged terror facilitators.
Authorities reportedly recovered IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factories markings, pistols, ammunition and CCTV cameras allegedly intended for surveillance and reconnaissance.
The reported arrests included 62 people in Uttar Pradesh, 52 in Haryana, 51 in Delhi and 44 in Punjab. Rajasthan accounted for 15 arrests, followed by Maharashtra with eight and Uttarakhand with five. Smaller numbers were reported from Karnataka, Gujarat, Bihar, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala.
The Home Ministry said the coordinated action was aimed at preventing potential attacks and disrupting the network before the Independence Day celebrations.
