NIA raids Ajmer, Neemrana over Pak-linked terror network; two detained
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday, 29 May conducted simultaneous raids at multiple locations across Rajasthan, including Ajmer and Neemrana, targeting a suspected terror-funding network allegedly linked to Pakistan-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti and his operative Jasvir Chaudhary. The sweeping operation, carried out with assistance from Rajasthan Police, also extended to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra, officials confirmed.
Ajmer Raid: Parmesh Meena Detained, Taken to Delhi
In Ajmer, an NIA team raided a rented house in Ambika Vihar Colony on Boraj Road, where Parmesh Meena — originally from Bhilwara — had been residing with his wife. After nearly five hours of questioning, Meena was detained and subsequently taken to Delhi for further interrogation.
According to sources, intelligence agencies had received inputs suggesting Meena was in contact with Shahzad Bhatti through social media platforms. Investigators reportedly found that he frequently played online games and was allegedly involved in debt recovery work. The NIA seized his mobile phone, laptop, social media account details, and call detail records (CDRs) during the search. Ajmer Police and intelligence personnel subsequently began questioning his family members and acquaintances to map possible network links.
Neemrana Raid: Father of Previously Arrested Suspect Questioned
In a separate pre-dawn operation, an NIA team reached Madhosinghpura village in the Neemrana area at around 4:30 am on Friday and raided the residence of Nandkishore Sain, the father of Shubham Kumar alias Shubham Srivastava. Shubham was arrested earlier this year by Punjab Police's Special Operations Cell in possession of an IED, a foreign-made pistol, remote-control devices, and other suspicious materials. Family members confirmed that Shubham was subsequently arrested by the NIA on 3 February and has remained in custody for the past four months.
The NIA team searched the house for nearly two hours, seizing several documents. At around 6 am, Nandkishore was taken to Neemrana Police Station for questioning. His wife, Rampati, told reporters that the family had arrived in Neemrana from Sitawali in Uttar Pradesh only a day earlier and that Nandkishore works at a company in the Keshwana industrial area. She said a team of 10–15 NIA and police personnel carried out the search. Investigators reportedly questioned Nandkishore regarding alleged foreign funding and associates linked to his son.
The Shahzad Bhatti Network: Broader Context
The case centres on Shahzad Bhatti, a Pakistan-based terrorist, and operative Jasvir Chaudhary, who is accused of procuring weapons and IEDs from across the border using drones. Friday's operations are part of a broader crackdown: several youths from Sri Ganganagar were earlier detained over suspected links with Bhatti's online network. Intelligence agencies believe the network was attempting to lure young individuals with promises of quick money — a pattern consistent with Pakistan-linked radicalisation and recruitment operations documented in recent years across Punjab, Haryana, and now Rajasthan.
Notably, this is the latest in a series of NIA operations targeting cross-border terror-financing channels that exploit social media platforms and online gaming environments to establish contact with potential recruits inside India.
Official Response and What Comes Next
As of Friday, there has been no official statement from the NIA regarding the latest developments. Local police officials confirmed that searches were conducted with Rajasthan Police assistance as part of an ongoing investigation into terror-related activities and funding networks. Sources indicated the agency is probing multiple aspects, including suspected cross-border links and foreign funding channels. The investigation is expected to widen as agencies analyse the seized digital devices and documents.