Jalgaon youths questioned over Shehzad Bhatti, Bishnoi social media links
Synopsis
Maharashtra's Anti-Terrorism Department has questioned seven to eight Jalgaon youths — including juveniles — for allegedly following ISI-backed gangster Shehzad Bhatti on social media. Investigators say Bhatti, a former influencer turned ISI asset, may have been using these contacts to build a sleeper cell network, marking one of the more alarming online radicalisation cases to surface in the state.
Key Takeaways
Seven to eight youths , including juveniles, from Jalgaon, Maharashtra were questioned by the Anti-Terrorism Department on 16 July .
The youths allegedly had social media contact with gangsters Shehzad Bhatti and Lawrence Bishnoi .
Investigators examined the youths' social media accounts and bank accounts as part of the probe.
All questioned individuals were released after counselling and returned to their families; investigation is ongoing.
Authorities allege Shehzad Bhatti is backed by Pakistan's ISI and may have been attempting to recruit youth into a sleeper cell network.
Maharashtra's Anti-Terrorism Department has questioned seven to eight youths from Jalgaon district over alleged social media contact with gangsters Shehzad Bhatti and Lawrence Bishnoi, Sub Inspector Ravindra Gaikwad confirmed on 16 July. The youths, who include juveniles, were released after questioning and have been sent back to their families following counselling.
How the Contacts Were Traced
Security agencies identified the youths after scanning their social media accounts and bank accounts as part of an ongoing investigation. Officials said the individuals had been following Bhatti and Bishnoi on social media platforms and were allegedly influenced by their videos.
Sub Inspector Gaikwad said: 'Regarding Shehzad Bhatti's case, upon investigation we have got to know that there are youths who follow such people on social media and get influenced through their videos.' He added: 'For now, we have let them off after questioning and further investigation is underway.'
Who Is Shehzad Bhatti
According to police, Shehzad Bhatti is allegedly backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and was himself a social media influencer before reportedly being recruited by the ISI. Investigators believe Bhatti has been using his online reach to recruit young Indians and potentially build sleeper cells for anti-national activities, though the matter remains under investigation.
An Intelligence Bureau official, according to reports, described this module as 'extremely dangerous' as it is aimed at waging a perception battle against India — defaming the country and creating an anti-India narrative globally.
Recruitment Pattern and Wider Threat
Authorities say social media has become Bhatti's primary tool for reaching Indian youth. Police forces across multiple states have cracked down on such networks, but officials warn that new modules continue to emerge. The Jalgaon case is part of a broader national pattern of ISI-linked online radicalisation attempts targeting young people.
Gaikwad urged citizens to prioritise national interest and appealed to the public not to fall under the influence of individuals like Bhatti. All questioned youths have since undergone counselling.
What Happens Next
The Anti-Terrorism Department has indicated that investigation is continuing based on information gathered from the youths. Authorities have not ruled out further questioning or action depending on what the probe reveals about the extent of Bhatti's recruitment network in Maharashtra.
Point of View
Physical surveillance — are poorly suited to dismantling networks built on algorithmic reach and parasocial trust. The fact that juveniles are among those questioned points to an age-group that is both highly reachable online and under-protected by existing digital literacy frameworks. Maharashtra's ATD releasing the youths after counselling rather than detention suggests the state is treating this as a prevention problem — which is the right instinct, but only if that counselling is backed by a credible, sustained de-radicalisation programme rather than a one-time session.
NationPress
16 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Jalgaon youths questioned by the Anti-Terrorism Department?
The youths were questioned because they allegedly had social media contact with ISI-backed gangster Shehzad Bhatti and Lawrence Bishnoi, and were reportedly influenced by their online content. The Anti-Terrorism Department identified them after scanning social media and bank accounts as part of an ongoing investigation.
Who is Shehzad Bhatti?
Shehzad Bhatti is a gangster allegedly backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). According to police, he was previously a social media influencer before being reportedly recruited by the ISI, and is now believed to be using online platforms to recruit Indian youth for anti-national activities.
Were the Jalgaon youths arrested?
No. All seven to eight youths questioned — including juveniles — were released after interrogation and counselling, and returned to their parents. Sub Inspector Ravindra Gaikwad confirmed that further investigation is underway.
What is the broader threat posed by this network?
According to an Intelligence Bureau official, the module is aimed at waging a perception battle against India by spreading anti-India narratives globally. Police across multiple states have been cracking down on such networks, but authorities warn that new modules continue to emerge.
How is social media being used for recruitment in this case?
Investigators say Shehzad Bhatti leveraged his social media presence to attract followers among Indian youth and then allegedly used those contacts to influence and potentially recruit them into anti-national activities, possibly to form sleeper cells. The case reflects a wider pattern of online radicalisation linked to ISI-backed operatives.
