11 July,2026 09:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
ATS personnel conducted raids across the state. Representation pic
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Friday launched a statewide crackdown and questioned over 100 individuals for their alleged links with Pakistan-based gangster Shehzad Bhatti.
The operation began at 7 am, with 58 ATS teams from 14 regional units conducting simultaneous searches and inquiries across Maharashtra. According to officials, 102 to 112 individuals identified during the investigation are being questioned at their residences. No arrests have been made so far.
The action follows intelligence inputs indicating that Bhatti had allegedly established contact with several youths in India through social media platforms. Investigators are examining digital evidence to verify the nature of these interactions and determine whether any criminal offences have been committed.
According to the ATS, Bhatti and his alleged associates - Abid Jat, alias Abid Chhal; Ajmal Gujar; Hammad Memon; Rana Hunain; and Ashraf Bashir Alam - used multiple fake accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, and WhatsApp to expand their network in India. Officials said the group allegedly exploited religious and socially sensitive issues to spread propaganda and radicalise young users.
Investigators suspect that unemployed and financially vulnerable youths were offered money to participate in anti-national and anti-social activities. The probe is also examining alleged attempts to create local sleeper cells tasked with gathering sensitive information, facilitating drug trafficking, and transporting illegal weapons.
The ATS has issued a public advisory urging citizens, especially young people and parents, to remain alert to suspicious online activity. It advised people against interacting with unknown individuals on social media or accepting offers of quick money or easy work, warning that such approaches could be linked to criminal or terrorist networks. Reaffirming its commitment to internal security, the Maharashtra Police said strict action would be taken against anyone found involved in anti-national activities.
