India designates Pakistan-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network as terrorist group under UAPA
The Ministry of Home Affairs has listed the Shahzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist organization under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, citing its involvement in arms, explosives and drug smuggling and extremist propaganda.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a gazette notification naming the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) as a terrorist organization under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. According to the statement, the group, led by former gangster-turned-terrorist Shahzad Bhatti, engages in cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics, while also radicalising impressionable youth and disseminating hostile digital material that threatens India's democratic fabric and communal harmony.
Intelligence officials allege that the network receives backing from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence and operates from a third country, frequently changing locations. The ministry noted that multiple criminal cases have been filed against SBN members across various states, invoking statutes such as the Terrorism Act, Explosive Substances Act and the Information Technology Act. Union Home Minister Amit Shah previously announced the dismantling of the network, with more than 200 arrests in 14 states. The notification underscores the group's collaboration with other banned entities to fund and execute anti-national activities.
Why it matters
The terrorist designation gives authorities stronger tools to disrupt the network and protect India's internal security.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage stresses the network's threat to India’s democratic fabric and its Pakistan-backed links, while centrist coverage highlights the government’s zero-tolerance stance and alignment with the prime minister’s vision.
LEFT
Frames the designation as a response to a Pakistan-backed network that endangers democratic and communal harmony.
CENTER
Frames the designation as a decisive, zero-tolerance move consistent with the prime minister’s anti-terrorism vision.
The left emphasises
- engages in cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics
- radicalising impressionable youth and disseminating hostile digital material that threatens India's democratic fabric and communal harmony
- receives backing from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence
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