The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has opened a fresh investigation into suspected attempts by Pakistan-based individuals to influence and radicalise young people in India through online platforms. The case involves gangster Shahzad Bhatti and several other individuals allegedly connected to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), with investigators examining possible links to planned activities threatening India’s internal security.
The investigation stems from a case initially registered by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in April 2026. During its inquiry, the state agency reportedly uncovered suspected communication between individuals in India and handlers based in Pakistan. Investigators are now examining whether digital platforms were used to identify potential recruits, build contacts and encourage participation in activities against India’s security interests.
The NIA’s FIR identifies eight accused, including Shahzad Bhatti, Md Hamad Barkati, Abid Jatt, Major Hamid, Major Iqbal and Major Anwar. The list also includes Tushar Chauhan, known as Hijbullah Ali Khan, from Uttar Pradesh, and Sameer from Delhi. The latter two were arrested by the Uttar Pradesh ATS in April as part of its investigation into suspected Pakistani sleeper-cell operations.
According to the allegations under investigation, the network attempted to use social media outreach and online communication to establish connections with young Indians. Shahzad Bhatti, Abid Jatt and certain Pakistani YouTubers are suspected of promoting extremist messaging and operating with support from Pakistani intelligence-linked handlers. Investigators are also examining allegations that vulnerable individuals were offered money to encourage their involvement in unlawful activities.
The investigation has drawn attention to the alleged role of digital propaganda in facilitating cross-border operations. Security agencies suspect that online contacts could have been used to build local networks without requiring direct physical interaction between foreign handlers and individuals in India. The alleged objective was to encourage disruptive activities and create tensions affecting internal security and communal harmony.
The development also follows the Union Government’s September 2026 decision to designate the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The designation was based on allegations of the organisation’s involvement in terrorist activities in India.
With the NIA now handling the fresh case, investigators will examine the alleged foreign connections, digital communication channels and financial arrangements associated with the accused. The agency’s investigation will be important in determining how the suspected network operated and whether its activities extended beyond the individuals already arrested.
The case highlights the security challenges posed by the use of online platforms for extremist influence and suspected terrorist recruitment. Indian agencies are increasingly focusing on identifying digital links between foreign-based handlers and domestic contacts to prevent such networks from developing into wider security threats.