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.
“Discontent is being spread among the Indian youth. They are being brainwashed. Those who belong to economically weaker sections are being lured with money to participate in anti-national activities,” an ATS officer said. He added that the gang was working to create sleeper cells and agents at the local level.
“We have undertaken this action (of questioning the 66 people) on the suspicion that Shahzad Bhatti was forcing these youth into anti-national activities through the use of social media,” the officer added.
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