--- title: "Over 200 operatives tied to ISI-backed network arrested ahead of I-Day" url: https://projectchintan.com/article/arrests-isi-backed-network-independence-day-9frrk publisher: Project Chintan author: Project Chintan Newsroom section: Politics published: 2026-08-17T12:02:26.288Z modified: 2026-08-17T14:00:06.325Z language: en-IN --- # Over 200 operatives tied to ISI-backed network arrested ahead of I-Day Security agencies arrested more than 200 operatives linked to the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network across 14 states ahead of Independence Day, detaining 253 people. The operation involved seizures and is described as thwarting planned subversive activity. ## Key takeaways - 253 people were detained across 14 states in a coordinated operation on August 12. - Over 200 operatives linked to the Shahzad Bhatti Network were arrested. - FIRs were registered in Delhi and Karnataka; total FIRs exceed 80. - Items seized include IEDs, grenades, pistols, live cartridges, and CCTV cameras. ## What Happened Security agencies carried out coordinated raids on August 12, leading to the dismantling of the Pakistan-based, ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that 253 people were detained across 14 states, with more than 200 operatives linked to the network arrested. The operation involved recovery of explosive devices and surveillance equipment, including IEDs, grenades, pistols, live cartridges, and CCTV cameras. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the crackdown was part of a real-time intelligence-sharing effort among central agencies and state police forces. Fresh FIRs were registered in Delhi and Karnataka, and the total number of FIRs across the operation exceeded 80. The arrests occurred in multiple states, with the highest numbers in Uttar Pradesh (62), Haryana (52), Delhi (51), and Punjab (44). Other states reported smaller arrests, including Rajasthan (15), Maharashtra (8), and Uttarakhand (5), while Karnataka, Gujarat, and Bihar reported three each, and Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Kerala reported two each. ## Why It Matters Amit Shah framed the operation as a significant strike against cross-border terrorism, indicating a broader effort to disrupt networks believed to be backed by the ISI. He described the operation as fulfilling a government stance of zero tolerance toward terrorism and highlighted the seizure of weapons and surveillance gear as evidence of the network’s intent to conduct attacks around Independence Day. ## Background The Shahzad Bhatti Network was described by officials as Pakistan-based and ISI-backed, with activities including planning attacks on police establishments, defence installations, and religious sites, as well as installing CCTV for surveillance. The MHA attributed the network with past grenade and IED-related incidents and targeted killings in various parts of the country, and noted the operation leveraged real-time intelligence-sharing among national security agencies and state police. ## Key Facts - Detentions across 14 states: 253 people detained - Operatives linked to the network arrested: more than 200 - States with the highest detentions: Uttar Pradesh (62), Haryana (52), Delhi (51), Punjab (44) - Other state detentions: Rajasthan (15), Maharashtra (8), Uttarakhand (5), Karnataka (3), Gujarat (3), Bihar (3), Telangana (2), Himachal Pradesh (2), Jammu and Kashmir (2), Kerala (2) - New FIRs: Delhi and Karnataka - Total FIRs registered across the operation: over 80 - seized items: IEDs, grenades, pistols, live cartridges, CCTV cameras - Operation date of raids: August 12 - Context: described as an operation ahead of Independence Day ## What Happens Next The government indicated ongoing investigations under multiple laws, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act, the NDPS Act, and the Explosive Substances Act. Prosecutions and further action are expected to follow as case files are processed and more details emerge from the investigations. --- Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/arrests-isi-backed-network-independence-day-9frrk Reported from: Multiple Sources