Maharashtra ATS questions 66 youth to uncover Pakistani gangster’s alleged ‘network in India’
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad is questioning 66 youths in Pune regarding alleged ties to a Pakistan-based criminal network. Authorities suspect the group is using social media to radicalize and recruit vulnerable individuals for anti-national activities.
Why it matters
This highlights the growing concern over the use of digital platforms for recruitment by foreign-based criminal and extremist organizations.
The Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad said on Tuesday (July 14, 2026) that it was questioning 66 youths in Pune whom it suspects have links with Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and his associates Abid Jat alias Abid Chhal, Ajmal Gujar, Hammad Memon, Rana Hunnain, and Ashraf Bashir Alam. The agency suspects these persons are misusing social media to expand their network in India.
The framing focuses heavily on national security and 'anti-national' activities, which is common in Indian security-related reporting.
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