NIA Conducts Raids in Punjab and Haryana Linked to Terrorist Networks
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has conducted extensive raids across Punjab and Haryana, targeting terrorist networks linked to Shahzad Bhatti. This operation involved coordinated searches at multiple locations, leading to the seizure of digital devices and documents. The NIA aims to uncover a significant cross-border conspiracy and has issued notices for further questioning of individuals involved. The investigation has already revealed connections to past attacks, including a grenade incident in Jalandhar. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
| Jun 9, 2026, 16:30 IST
NIA Launches Coordinated Raids
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) executed a series of raids on Tuesday, June 9, across various locations in Punjab and Haryana. This operation was part of an investigation into three terrorist groups associated with the Pakistan-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti. Teams from anti-terrorism agencies conducted synchronized searches at 18 sites across nine districts in both states, gathering relevant information and questioning several individuals.
Seizures Made During the Raids
NIA Seizes Digital Devices and Documents
During the searches, NIA teams confiscated numerous digital devices and documents. They also gathered information related to various communication networks, financial transactions, and the activities of individuals monitored in connection with the three cases. The agency stated that all collected evidence and information would undergo thorough investigation, including forensic and technical analysis, to uncover a significant cross-border conspiracy. Notices have been issued to certain individuals to join the investigation for further questioning. This inquiry aims to reveal the larger plot orchestrated by Bhatti, who transitioned from gangster to terrorist. The statement emphasized that today’s operation focused on identifying Bhatti's associates and others involved in the terrorist conspiracy linked to the three cases.
Findings from NIA's Ongoing Investigation
Insights from NIA's Investigation
So far, the NIA's investigation has established a connection between Shahzad Bhatti and a grenade attack that occurred in March 2025 at the residence of social media influencer Roger Sandhu in Jalandhar, Punjab. In April 2026, the NIA declared Bhatti a fugitive and filed a chargesheet against another accused in this case. The agency also discovered that Bhatti was involved in plotting explosions at a women's police station in Sirsa in November 2025 and at the Baldev Nagar police station in Ambala in January 2026. In the Sirsa case, the NIA filed a chargesheet in May 2026 against Bhatti and another handler based in Pakistan, Sohail Ahmed, also known as Sohail Baloch, along with nine other individuals.