Rajasthan ATS detains 7 in crackdown on Pakistan-linked terror network
Synopsis
Rajasthan's ATS has detained seven youths from Sri Ganganagar in a sweeping crackdown on a Pakistan-based operative who allegedly used drones to push heroin, weapons, and RDX into India — and social media to recruit local accomplices. Three prior arrests in March and April already traced the same network, suggesting a deeper cross-border operation than a single raid reveals.
Key Takeaways
Rajasthan ATS detained seven youths from Sri Ganganagar district on 14 May over alleged links to Pakistan-based operative Shahzad Bhatti .
Raids were conducted across multiple Rajasthan locations over a 24-hour period jointly with intelligence agencies.
Bhatti allegedly used drones to smuggle heroin , foreign-made weapons , and RDX explosives from Pakistan into India.
Prior arrests include Akashdeep (26 March), Sunil alias 'Dholu' (6 April), and Jaswant Kumar alias Sonu (25 March) — all linked to Bhatti's network.
Border district security agencies have been placed on high alert ; digital evidence from seized gadgets is under examination.
The Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), acting on intelligence inputs, detained seven youths from Sri Ganganagar district on 14 May over alleged links to the social media network of Pakistan-based terror operative Shahzad Bhatti. The operation, conducted jointly with intelligence agencies over a 24-hour period, targeted individuals suspected of involvement in anti-national activities or maintaining cross-border contacts.
What the Raids Uncovered
Security forces carried out coordinated raids across multiple locations in Rajasthan, focusing on suspicious social media accounts and possible online links with Pakistan-based operatives. Sri Ganganagar Superintendent of Police Hari Shankar confirmed that the seven detained individuals are currently being jointly interrogated by multiple agencies. He added that no concrete evidence has yet been made public.
'Their gadgets are being monitored and we are tracing their locations. Once we are through with the investigation, we will be able to share details,' SP Shankar said.
The Shahzad Bhatti Connection
According to intelligence inputs, Shahzad Bhatti has allegedly been using drones to smuggle consignments of heroin, foreign-made weapons, and RDX explosives from Pakistan into India. Sources indicate that Bhatti was reportedly attempting to recruit local youths into his network by targeting individuals seeking quick money through illegal channels.
Following the ATS operation, intelligence and security agencies across Rajasthan's border districts have been placed on high alert.
Earlier Arrests Linked to the Network
The current crackdown follows a series of prior arrests that investigators say reveal a pattern of local youth being drawn into Bhatti's network. On 26 March, Akashdeep, a resident of Kera Chak village under Lalgarh police station in Sri Ganganagar district, was arrested after investigators found he was allegedly in regular contact with Bhatti through Instagram and WhatsApp. Police said he had also allegedly threatened villagers using the gangster's name.
On 6 April, Hanumangarh Police arrested Sunil alias 'Dholu', a resident of Sureshia Colony, Hanumangarh Junction, after recovering an illegal country-made pistol from his possession. Investigators reportedly found Bhatti's WhatsApp number and several incriminating messages on his mobile phone. Sunil reportedly faces nearly 10 criminal cases.
Earlier, on 25 March, Hanumangarh Police arrested Jaswant Kumar alias Sonu, a resident of Kishanpura Dikhnada village, for allegedly maintaining contact with Bhatti through social media and sharing photographs of weapons.
Broader Security Implications
The series of detentions and arrests points to a sustained cross-border recruitment effort that security agencies say exploits economic vulnerability and social media access in Rajasthan's border belt. Investigators are continuing to examine digital evidence, and further disclosures are expected once the interrogations conclude. The border districts remain on heightened alert as the multi-agency probe widens.
Point of View
Which is operationally prudent but also means the scale of the network remains unverified. The drone-based smuggling angle — if substantiated — would mark a significant tactical evolution in cross-border infiltration, one that existing border surveillance frameworks may not be fully calibrated to counter.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shahzad Bhatti and why is he significant?
Shahzad Bhatti is a Pakistan-based terror operative who, according to intelligence inputs, has allegedly been using drones to smuggle heroin, foreign-made weapons, and RDX explosives into India. He is also accused of recruiting local youths in Rajasthan's border districts through social media platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp.
Why were the seven youths detained by Rajasthan ATS?
The seven youths from Sri Ganganagar district were detained on 14 May over alleged links to Shahzad Bhatti's social media network. Security agencies suspect they may have been involved in anti-national activities or maintained cross-border contacts, though officials stated no concrete evidence has yet been publicly disclosed.
What earlier arrests are connected to this case?
Three earlier arrests are linked to the same network: Akashdeep on 26 March, Sunil alias 'Dholu' on 6 April, and Jaswant Kumar alias Sonu on 25 March — all from Sri Ganganagar or Hanumangarh districts, and all allegedly in contact with Bhatti through social media.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The seven detained youths are being jointly interrogated by multiple agencies. Their electronic devices are under examination. SP Hari Shankar said details will be shared once the investigation concludes. Border district agencies remain on high alert.
How is Bhatti allegedly operating across the border?
According to intelligence inputs, Bhatti has allegedly been using drones to send consignments of heroin, foreign-made weapons, and RDX from Pakistan into India. He reportedly targets economically vulnerable local youths, luring them with promises of quick money through illegal activities.
