India Dismantles Major Pakistan-Backed Terror Network, Over 200 Arrested Ahead of Independence Day

In a significant pre-Independence Day operation, Indian security agencies successfully dismantled the Shahzad Bhatti Network, a Pakistan-based terror syndicate allegedly backed by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Over 200 operatives were arrested and 253 people detained across 14 Indian states during coordinated raids carried out on August 12, just three days before the nation celebrated its 80th year of freedom from British colonial rule. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the major crackdown, emphasizing the government's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. The multi-state operation, described as one of the largest in recent years, involved real-time intelligence sharing between central agencies and state police forces. Significant recoveries were made during the raids, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges, and CCTV cameras used for espionage. These recoveries confirm the network's direct cross-border links and its alleged involvement in various terrorist activities, such as grenade attacks, IED blasts, petrol bomb incidents, and targeted killings across India. The Home Ministry stated that the Shahzad Bhatti Network was actively paying local conduits to conduct reconnaissance of sensitive locations like police stations, defense installations, and religious sites. The successful operation prevented potential subversive attacks that the network had allegedly planned around the Independence Day period, underscoring India's commitment to national security and counter-terrorism efforts.