Bhatti Pushes Back After Major Terror Network Crackdown

New Delhi, August 20, 2026 A war of claims has emerged after the government announced a major crackdown on the alleged ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network. While Union Home Minister Amit Shah said security agencies had dismantled the network and arrested more than 200 of its operatives across 14 states, Bhatti has released a video disputing the allegations and claiming that many of those arrested were linked to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and the July 20 Jantar Mantar protest. In the video, Bhatti alleged that the people presented as members of his network were, in fact, CJP supporters. He also challenged the government to make public the photographs of those arrested, the weapons recovered from them and details regarding the origin of those weapons. “Amit Shah tweeted that ‘We have caught more than 200 of Shahzad Bhatti’s associates. That is what is being shown to you, and the media is also broadcasting that, but that is not the reality. These are people from the Cockroach Janta Party. The people who went to Jantar Mantar, our photos and videos were made there as well,” Shahzad Bhatti said. Bhatti further attempted to demonstrate that his network remained active by claiming that thousands of his associates were still moving freely in India. He also said he was willing to extend legal and financial assistance to CJP supporters. “My network has been active for the past 5-6 years. “Why did you have to start this operation just now? Were your agencies and police asleep before this? If you have arrested 300, I have 3,000 who are roaming the streets freely. Sometimes you blame Pakistan to get votes; other times, you pit Sikhs against each other to get votes. How much longer can you keep doing this?” he said. “I will not step back; I will look into the cases of these men you have arrested and give them legal support even if they are CJP’s men, and if CJP needs me, they can contact me; I will even back them, Bhatti added. His remarks came after Amit Shah announced on August 17, 2026, that coordinated action by Indian security agencies had disrupted the alleged terror network. “Modi govt destroyed the ISI-backed terror group Shahzad Bhatti Network ahead of Independence Day and thwarted its plans for subversive attacks by arresting more than 200 operatives. Indian security forces ripped apart the network by launching coordinated operations across different locations in 14 states, upholding a brilliant example of India’s zero-tolerance towards terrorism,” he posted on X. Shah also said that the operation resulted in the recovery of explosives, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, firearms, live ammunition and CCTV equipment allegedly used for espionage. According to investigators and intelligence inputs, the network allegedly operated through Pakistan-based handlers and was involved in activities ranging from recruitment and online radicalisation to reconnaissance, logistics, espionage, illegal arms procurement and the establishment of sleeper cells. Security agencies have also examined alleged links with several separatist and extremist front organisations. Investigators say social media was used to identify vulnerable individuals, who were allegedly drawn in with money before being assigned increasingly serious tasks, including violent attacks and the filming of such acts. Recent investigations have also led to arrests in cases involving alleged SIM card assistance and suspected espionage links. Authorities have further connected the Bhatti gang to earlier terror-related incidents, including the grenade attack on the Sirsa Women Police Station in Haryana in November 2025. With the investigation continuing, Bhatti’s claims and the government’s account now represent sharply opposing narratives, while security agencies continue examining the alleged network’s operations, recruitment channels and connections across the country.