Maharashtra ATS questions dozens over alleged links to Pakistan-based gangster Shehzad Bhatti

Pune, July 15, 2026: Five residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad were questioned by the city's Anti-Terrorism Cell (ATC) after they were found to have liked social media posts and videos of Pakistan-based gangster Shehzad Bhatti, who is suspected of having links to anti-India activities.Police later let them off with a warning after finding no evidence of direct contact or involvement with Bhatti. They were advised to stay away from such online content in the future.The questioning was part of a larger operation carried out by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), along with Pune City Police, Pimpri-Chinchwad Police and Pune Rural Police. On Tuesday, teams conducted simultaneous raids at 65 locations across Pune city, Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune district, during which around 50 suspects were questioned.Police seized mobile phones and other digital devices for forensic examination. Investigators are analysing chats, social media activity and other digital evidence.According to officials, the operation followed an earlier ATS probe across Maharashtra which found that several youths were allegedly in contact with Shehzad Bhatti through social media.Maharashtra ATS Conducts Statewide Searches, Questions 112 People Over Alleged Pakistan Gangster Links The raids covered areas including Kondhwa, Yerawada, Vishrantwadi, Kothrud, Parvati, Chakan, Mhalunge, Wakad, Chikhali, Alandi, Kudalwadi, Shirur, Shikrapur, Ranjangaon and Rajgurunagar.Investigators suspect Bhatti was attempting to establish contact with Indian youths through social media platforms while operating from Pakistan. Similar networks had earlier come to light during investigations in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, prompting the ATS to examine possible links in Maharashtra.Officials said 23 individuals identified as primary suspects are being directly questioned by the ATS. The remaining suspects are being interrogated by Pune City Police, Pimpri-Chinchwad Police and Pune Rural Police. The findings will be shared with the ATS for further investigation.Maharashtra ATS Conducts Statewide Searches, Questions 102 Over Alleged Pakistan Gangster Links During the probe, investigators also found that one suspect had allegedly received money from Pakistan in his bank account. The transaction is now under detailed scrutiny.Officials said many of the youths under investigation are unemployed, raising concerns that vulnerable individuals may be targeted through social media.Senior ATS officials said the operation was launched following intelligence inputs about alleged attempts to radicalise and recruit Indian youths for anti-national activities. They added that strict legal action would be taken if any evidence of unlawful or terror-related activities is found during the investigation.

Mumbai, July 14, 2026: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Tuesday conducted searches across Pune district and questioned 66 persons over their alleged links with Pakistan-based gangster Shehzad Bhatti, as part of an expanding statewide probe into a suspected network of operatives and facilitators, officials said.The searches began around 7 am and were carried out with the assistance of the Pune City Police, Pune Rural Police and Pimpri-Chinchwad Police. Officials said those questioned had allegedly been in direct or indirect contact with Bhatti or persons associated with his network. Investigators are attempting to identify local facilitators, suspected associates and support networks that may have aided the Pakistan-based gangster's operations in the state.Digital Evidence Under ScannerAs part of the probe, the ATS is analysing mobile phones, call detail records (CDRs), internet-based calls, chat histories, social media accounts and other digital devices seized from the 66 individuals to determine the nature and extent of their alleged contact with Bhatti and his associates.The operation comes days after the ATS conducted coordinated searches across Maharashtra through its 14 units, during which more than 100 persons were questioned over their alleged links with the Pakistan-based gangster.Financial Trail ExaminedBhatti, a Pakistan-based gangster, is under investigation by security agencies for allegedly using social media platforms to establish contact with Indian youth and attempting to influence or radicalise them for activities deemed prejudicial to national security. Officials said the statewide operation was launched on the basis of these intelligence inputs.Also Watch: Maharashtra ATS Conducts Statewide Searches, Questions 112 People Over Alleged Pakistan Gangster LinksOfficials said the investigation has since expanded beyond online communication to include scrutiny of financial transactions allegedly linked to Bhatti's network. Investigators are examining whether funds were transferred to individuals in India, the purpose of such transactions and whether they formed part of a larger organised network.No arrests have been made so far. Officials said further legal action would depend on the forensic examination of the seized digital devices and analysis of the financial trail.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

Mumbai, July 10, 2026: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Friday launched a statewide operation, questioning 102 people over their alleged links with Pakistan-based gangster Shehzad Bhatti, who is suspected of using social media platforms to radicalise Indian youth and build a network for organised crime and anti-national activities.The operation began at 7 am, with 58 ATS teams from all 14 regional units simultaneously conducting searches and inquiries at multiple locations across Maharashtra. Officials said those being questioned had allegedly come in contact with Bhatti through various social media platforms.Online Network Under ScannerAccording to the ATS, preliminary findings and intelligence inputs suggest that Bhatti, along with his associates — Abid Jat alias Abid Chhal, Ajmal Gujar, Hammad Memon, Rana Hunain and Ashraf Bashir Alam — has been attempting to expand his network in India through an organised online ecosystem.Sources said several of those questioned were active followers of Bhatti's social media channels and were allegedly in direct or indirect contact with Bhatti-linked syndicates through Instagram, Telegram, WhatsApp groups, encrypted messaging applications and other online platforms. Investigators also suspect that certain online gaming applications were being used as communication channels to establish contact, build trust and identify potential recruits for the Bhatti syndicate.According to officials, many young people engage with and follow Bhatti because he projects a carefully crafted digital persona that blends religious nationalism, regional controversies and an aspirational lifestyle, creating an image of influence, power and success. Investigators alleged that such content is designed to appeal to individuals seeking identity, recognition, financial security or a sense of belonging, particularly those facing unemployment or other personal vulnerabilities. They claimed that promises of money, protection, quick financial gains and foreign connections were used to gradually build trust and draw individuals into the network.Organised Crime Links ProbedOfficials further alleged that social media content glorifying gang culture, violence and luxury lifestyles was being used to influence and groom recruits for organised criminal activities, including extortion, arms trafficking, targeted killings and possible terror-linked operations in India.Investigators said cumulative inputs from central intelligence agencies indicate that Bhatti operates a transnational syndicate designed to expand its foot-soldier network deep inside India. The ATS has identified a command structure of overseas handlers managing the network that was allegedly attempting to create local sleeper cells and recruit agents to facilitate activities such as gathering sensitive information, drug trafficking and illegal arms movement.Acting on these inputs, the ATS launched the coordinated operation to verify the nature of the suspects' contacts, examine digital evidence and determine whether any unlawful activities had been carried out.Public Advisory IssuedThe ATS also issued a public advisory urging citizens, particularly young people, to avoid interacting with unknown or suspicious individuals on social media. Parents have been asked to closely monitor their children's online activity and report any sudden behavioural changes or suspicious interactions to the police.Also Watch: Maharashtra ATS Conducts Statewide Searches, Questions 112 People Over Alleged Pakistan Gangster LinksThe agency cautioned people against falling prey to promises of easy money or illegal assignments circulated online, warning that seemingly minor tasks could form part of larger anti-national or terrorist conspiracies. It also appealed to the public not to believe or forward provocative or misleading content on social media that could threaten national security or disturb law and order.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

ATS is questioning the identified individuals to verify the nature of their alleged links with the Pakistan-based gangster and gather further evidence in connection with the probe.

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Friday launched a statewide operation, questioning 112 people over their alleged links with Pakistan-based gangster Shehzad Bhatti, officials said.The operation began around 7 am, with teams from all 14 ATS units conducting searches at multiple locations across Maharashtra. The identified individuals are being questioned at their residences as part of the ongoing investigation.'Beating Someone Like This Is Very Unfortunate': Abu Azmi Condemns Alleged Assault On Mahad Municipal Chief Officer, Seeks Strict Action According to officials, Bhatti allegedly used social media platforms to establish contact with youths and attempted to influence or incite them towards anti-national activities. Acting on these inputs, the ATS launched the coordinated operation to verify the nature of these contacts, examine digital evidence and determine whether any unlawful activities were carried out.Questioning is underway, and officials said the investigation is focused on establishing the extent of the alleged network and whether any criminal offences have been committed. No arrests have been made so far.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/