NIA Investigates Online Radicalization Linked to Pakistan Gangster

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched an investigation into the online radicalization of Indian youth allegedly orchestrated by Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and ISI operatives. This inquiry follows an FIR filed by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad and aims to uncover plans for potential terror attacks. The investigation has already led to multiple arrests across various states, highlighting the network's attempts to exploit social media for radicalization. As the NIA delves deeper, the implications of this case could have significant repercussions for national security.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 12, 2026, 13:03 IST

NIA Launches Investigation into Radicalization Efforts

File image of 31-year-old Nalbari resident Mrigen Haloi arrested by Assam STF with alleged connections to SBN (Photo: @STFAssam/X)

New Delhi, Nov 12: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated a case to investigate the suspected online radicalization of Indian youth by Shahzad Bhatti, a gangster based in Pakistan, along with alleged operatives from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). This investigation aims to uncover plans for potential terror attacks in India, as reported by officials on Thursday.

This case originated from a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in April of this year.

Initially, the investigation concentrated on the formation of suspected Pakistani sleeper cells through social media channels.

The FIR identified eight individuals, including Bhatti, who is believed to be an ISI agent operating from Pakistan.

Other individuals named in the NIA's investigation include Md Hamad Barkati, Abid Jatt, Major Hamid, and Major Iqbal, all of whom are allegedly connected to the ISI, along with Major Anwar, who is also based in Pakistan.

Additionally, the NIA has implicated Tushar Chauhan, also known as Hijbullah Ali Khan, from Uttar Pradesh, and Sameer, a resident of Delhi. Both were apprehended by the UP ATS in April.

The ATS's investigation revealed that these two men were reportedly in direct communication with Pakistani operatives and were involved in plans for what officials described as a 'major disruptive act.'

During the investigation, it was discovered that Bhatti, Jatt, and radical Pakistani YouTubers, under ISI directives, were attempting to radicalize Indian youth online, enticing them with financial rewards to disrupt societal peace and communal harmony.

Uttar Pradesh's Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), Amitabh Yash, previously stated that the network was leveraging social media to influence young Indians.

The NIA's inquiry is part of a broader crackdown on the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN), which was designated as a terrorist organization by the Centre under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in September.

The Union government indicated that this action was taken based on assessments that the Pakistan-based network was engaged in terrorism and had been involved in various terrorist activities within India.

In August, the Ministry of Home Affairs reported that security agencies had arrested over 200 alleged SBN operatives across 14 states during coordinated operations leading up to Independence Day.

The network has also faced scrutiny in Assam, where the State Special Task Force (STF) has detained five individuals in connection with the investigation.

The most recent arrest in Assam occurred on September 1, involving a 31-year-old Nalbari resident, bringing the total number of arrests in the state to five.

Previously, the STF had arrested Akramul Islam from Dhubri, Aminur Rahman from Chirang, and Abdul Hussain from Barpeta on July 25. Fazal Islam Barbhuiyan was apprehended from Ramnathpur in Hailakandi district on August 26.