National Investigation Agency Takes Over Probe Into Online Radicalisation Linked to Pakistan-Based Gangster

The National Investigation Agency has officially stepped in to investigate the online radicalisation of Indian youths. According to officials, the inquiry centers on Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and various intelligence agents allegedly seeking to orchestrate terrorist attacks within the country.

Origin of the Investigation

This central probe originates from an initial case filed by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad in April of this year. During that state-level operation, authorities arrested two individuals: Tushar Chauhan, also known as Hijbullah Ali Khan from Uttar Pradesh, and Sameer from Delhi. Investigators discovered these men were supposedly in direct contact with Pakistani operatives and preparing a major disruptive act.

Accused Individuals and Network Designation

The First Information Report filed by the federal agency names a total of eight accused persons. Alongside Bhatti, the list includes Md Hamad Barkati, Abid Jatt, Major Hamid, Major Iqbal, and Major Anwar, all identified as intelligence agents based in Pakistan. In September, the central government designated the Shahzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act due to its involvement in terrorism.

Recruitment and Radicalisation Tactics

State police investigations previously revealed that Pakistani sleeper cells utilized social media platforms to identify targets. According to Uttar Pradesh Additional Director General of Police Amitabh Yash, gangster Bhatti, Jatt, and radical YouTubers acted on instructions from foreign handlers to radicalize Indian youths by offering financial incentives designed to disrupt internal peace and communal harmony.