The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Friday launched a massive statewide operation and began questioning 112 individuals allegedly found to be in contact with Pakistan-based gangster Shehzad Bhatti, officials said.
All 14 ATS Units Fan Out Across Maharashtra
According to an official statement, teams from all 14 ATS units across Maharashtra simultaneously fanned out across the state at around 7 am to question the suspects. The operation is part of an ongoing investigation into Bhatti’s alleged online network and possible efforts to influence Indian youth through social media.
Officials said preliminary inputs suggest that Bhatti has been using social media platforms to attract, influence and allegedly provoke youngsters towards anti-national activities. Based on these intelligence inputs, the ATS initiated the coordinated statewide exercise to verify the nature of the contacts and determine whether any organised network exists behind the interactions.
Questioning Underway Of 112 Detainees
The questioning is currently underway, and investigators are examining digital communications, social media interactions and other evidence to establish whether the individuals had merely followed or interacted with Bhatti online or were involved in more serious activities. No arrests had been announced at the time of filing this report.
57 Individuals Detained Earlier Over Shehzad Bhatti Links
The latest operation comes nearly two months after the Maharashtra ATS questioned 57 individuals across the state over suspected links with Bhatti through social media platforms. That probe had extended to multiple cities, with investigators focusing on online communications and possible attempts at radicalisation.
Shehzad Bhatti: Pakistan-Based Gangster A Growing Concern
Security agencies have increasingly flagged Bhatti as a growing concern. Intelligence inputs indicate that the Pakistan-based gangster, who is believed to operate from Dubai, has built a significant social media presence and allegedly uses online platforms to spread provocative content, recruit sympathisers and establish contacts across Indian states.
Bhatti’s name has surfaced in several recent investigations across the country. Earlier this month, Rajasthan ATS carried out raids in more than 20 cities targeting an alleged network linked to him, while Delhi Police recently arrested six alleged associates accused of planning an attack on a police station in the national capital.
Investigators suspect the network extends across multiple states and may involve a mix of criminal and extremist elements.
ATS officials said the Maharashtra operation remains focused on gathering intelligence and establishing the extent of Bhatti’s influence within the state. Further action will depend on the evidence that emerges during the ongoing probe.