Inside ‘Operation SBN’: How India Dismantled Pakistan-Backed Network Before Independence Day

Security agencies detain 253 people across 14 states, recovering IEDs, grenades, weapons and CCTV cameras in crackdown on ISI-backed SBN network.

By Sakshi.

New Delhi, August 17: Security agencies carried out a coordinated crackdown against the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) ahead of Independence Day, detaining 253 people across 14 states. The operation was conducted on August 12 to thwart suspected plans for terror-related disruptions. Agencies recovered IEDs, grenades, pistols, live ammunition and CCTV cameras allegedly used for espionage.

More than 80 FIRs and over 200 arrests have been recorded against SBN as part of the government's 'zero tolerance' policy towards cross-border terrorism.

In a post on X, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah said, "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."

Security agencies detain 253 people across 14 states in a coordinated crackdown on the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network ahead of Independence Day. (File Image)

"Indian security forces ripped apart the network by launching coordinated operations across different locations in 14 states, upholding a brilliant example of India's zero tolerance towards terrorism. Substantial recoveries, including IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges and CCTV cameras used for espionage, were made from the ISI-funded group. The network was involved in several terrorist activities," he added.

Shahzad Bhatti Network

The Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) is a Pakistan-based, ISI-backed terror syndicate allegedly linked to grenade, IED and petrol bomb attacks, as well as targeted killings, across India. SBN has also allegedly been paying local conduits to conduct reconnaissance of police, defence and religious sites and install CCTV cameras for espionage.

14 States Where Arrests Were Made

To counter SBN-linked disruptions allegedly planned around Independence Day, a coordinated multi-state operation was carried out on August 12 using a real-time intelligence-sharing system with state police forces.

The operation led to 253 detentions across 14 states:

• Uttar Pradesh: 62

• Haryana: 52

• Delhi: 51

• Punjab: 44

• Rajasthan: 15

• Maharashtra: 8

• Uttarakhand: 5

• Karnataka: 3

• Gujarat: 3

• Bihar: 3

• Telangana: 2

• Himachal Pradesh: 2

• Jammu and Kashmir: 2

• Kerala: 2

Fresh FIRs were also registered in Delhi and Karnataka.

Action Taken Against SBN

Cumulatively, more than 80 FIRs and over 200 arrests have been recorded against SBN under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Arms Act, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and Explosive Substances Act.

Recoveries include IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, live cartridges and CCTV cameras allegedly used for espionage. Security agencies said the recoveries point to the network's suspected cross-border links.