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India Lists Pakistan-Based Shahzad Bhatti Network as Terrorist Organisation

It gives Indian authorities expanded powers under the UAPA to pursue membership, support and financing charges.

He reportedly operates from a third country and keeps changing his location, according to intelligence officials. ((File Photo/Facebook))
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Overview

  • The Centre formally added the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) to the UAPA First Schedule on September 16, 2026, making it the 46th organisation designated as a terrorist group under Indian law.
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs and Union Home Minister Amit Shah say the network ran cross‑border smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics and used digital outreach to radicalise youths and petty criminals.
  • Security agencies carried out a coordinated multi‑state operation on August 12 that led to about 253 detentions across 14 states, more than 80 FIRs and over 200 arrests linked to alleged SBN activity.
  • Shahzad Bhatti is reported to be operating from abroad, with officials citing locations such as Dubai and Lahore, and the UAPA listing does not by itself create an international arrest or extradition order.
  • The designation lets investigators bundle separate state cases under a statutory terror framework and could increase prosecutions and requests for international legal help, while raising focus on online recruitment and local vulnerabilities.