16 July,2026 05:02 PM IST | Jalgaon | mid-day online correspondent
As part of the probe, security agencies have examined the social media activity and bank accounts of the youths. Representational pic
Several youths from Maharashtra's Jalgaon district, who allegedly came in contact with gangsters Shehzad Bhatti and Lawrence Bishnoi through social media, have been questioned by the district's Anti-Terrorism Department, Sub-Inspector Ravindra Gaikwad said.
According to officials, the youths from different parts of Jalgaon district were allegedly in touch with Bhatti - who is backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) - as well as Lawrence Bishnoi via social media platforms, news agency IANS reported.
As part of the probe, security agencies have also examined their social media activity and bank accounts.
Speaking to reporters, Gaikwad said, "Regarding Shehzad Bhatti's case, upon investigation we have got to know that there are youths who follow such people on social media and get influenced through their videos."
"For now, we have let them off after questioning and further investigation is underway," he added.
Urging citizens to place the nation above everything else, the police officer said that Bhatti is backed by Pakistan's ISI and appealed to people not to come under the influence of such individuals.
All the youths who were questioned underwent counselling before being sent back to their parents.
Gaikwad said, "Seven to eight youths were questioned and investigation is underway on whatever we got to know about Shehzad Bhatti from them."
He further said that those questioned included juveniles.
Investigators have also found indications that Bhatti may have been using these contacts to recruit young people and potentially create sleeper cells for anti-national activities. The matter remains under investigation.
According to officials, social media has become a key platform for Bhatti to allegedly recruit Indians and encourage anti-national activities. Police in several states have cracked down on such networks, but investigators say new modules continue to emerge.
An Intelligence Bureau official said the network is particularly dangerous as it is aimed at waging a perception battle against India.
The official added that the objective is to defame India and create an anti-India narrative globally. Bhatti, who was previously a social media influencer before allegedly being roped in by the ISI, is familiar with the methods used to influence online audiences.
(With IANS inputs)
