Maharashtra ATS interrogates 66 youths to unearth Pakistani gangster’s alleged ‘network in India’

The Anti-Terrorism Squad of Maharashtra said on Tuesday (July 14, 2026) that they are questioning 66 youths in Pune who they suspect have links to Pakistani gangster Shahzad Bhatti and his associates Abid Jat alias Abid Chhal, Ajmal Gujar, Hammad Memon, Rana Hunnain and Ashraf Hunnain. The agency suspects that these individuals are misusing social media to expand their network in India.

“Dissatisfaction is spreading among the Indian youth. They are being brainwashed. Those who belong to the economically weaker sections are being lured with money to participate in anti-national activities,” said an ATS officer. He added that the gang was working to create sleeper cells and operatives at the local level.

“We have taken this action (interrogation of 66 people) on the suspicion that Shahzad Bhatti is forcing these youths to engage in anti-national activities using social media,” the officer added.

The operation started at 7 am and was carried out with the assistance of Pune City Police, Pune Rural Police and Pimpri Chinchwad Police.

The agency said the gangsters allegedly used social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Telegram and WhatsApp to make contact with Indian youths. They allegedly tried to exploit religious and socially sensitive topics to spread propaganda and influence them.

The ATS has issued an advisory for parents asking them to monitor their children’s social media use so they don’t hang out with people they don’t know. The agency asked parents to monitor their behavior and notify the agency. He urged everyone to avoid contacting unknown or suspicious people on social media platforms.

Published – 14 Jul 2026 22:10 IST