Modi government destroyed the ISI-backed terror group Shahzad Bhatti Network, ahead of Independence Day and thwarted its plans for subversive attacks by arresting more than 200 operatives

The Ministry of Home Affairs announced that, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, a coordinated multi‑state operation on 12 August 2026 dismantled the ISI‑backed Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN). A total of 253 individuals were detained across 14 states, with over 80 FIRs lodged and more than 200 arrests recorded under statutes such as the UAPA, Arms Act, NDPS Act and Explosive Substances Act. Security forces recovered IEDs, grenades marked by Pakistan’s Ordnance Factory, pistols, live cartridges and CCTV equipment used for espionage, indicating direct cross‑border links. The action was presented as part of the government’s ‘zero‑tolerance’ policy towards cross‑border terrorism ahead of Independence Day.