MHA bans Pakistan-based terrorist outfit, Shahzad Bhatti Network
Subhashis Mittra
Pursuing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of zero tolerance against terror, the ministry of home affairs (MHA) has declared Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) a terrorist organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The SBN has become the 46th organisation formally designated as ‘terrorist’ under the UAPA. Bhatti’s activities represent a convergence of organised crime, social media-based recruitment and cross-border terror networks.

The MHA cracked the whip days after security agencies smashed its modules and picked up more than 250 Indian operatives from 14 states and Union Territories.
‘The group is involved in smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics across borders, apart from inciting youths and petty criminals into terrorism. Targeting India’s democratic structure and the fabric of communal harmony, the syndicate also published hateful digital content,’ Union home minister Amit Shah said on X. The action was taken as the Centre believes that SBN was involved in ‘terrorism and has participated in various acts of terrorism in India.’