253 detained across 14 states in crackdown on ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network ahead of Independence Day
Security agencies detained 253 people across 14 states on 12 August 2026 in a coordinated operation against the Pakistan-based, ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network, leading to over 80 FIRs and more than 200 arrests, the Home Ministry said.
Summary
Security agencies carried out a coordinated multi-state operation on 12 August 2026 against the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN), a Pakistan-based, ISI-backed terror syndicate, to counter disruptions planned around Independence Day, the Ministry of Home Affairs said. The operation, using a real-time intelligence-sharing system with State Police forces, led to 253 detentions across 14 states, with the most in Uttar Pradesh (62), Haryana (52), Delhi (51) and Punjab (44). Over 80 FIRs were registered and more than 200 arrests made. Recoveries included IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols and CCTV cameras used for espionage. SBN is linked to grenade, IED and petrol bomb attacks and targeted killings, and pays local conduits to recce police, defence and religious sites.
Key facts
- Operation date
- 12 August 2026
- Target
- Shahzad Bhatti Network – Pakistan-based, ISI-backed
- Detentions
- 253 across 14 states
- Top states
- UP 62; Haryana 52; Delhi 51; Punjab 44
- Cases
- 80+ FIRs; 200+ arrests
- Recoveries
- IEDs, grenades with Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, CCTV cameras
Practice MCQs 4 questions
Against which terror syndicate did security agencies carry out a coordinated operation across 14 states on 12 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Shahzad Bhatti Network
The operation targeted the Pakistan-based, ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network ahead of Independence Day.
How many people were detained across 14 states in the 12 August 2026 operation against the Shahzad Bhatti Network?
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Correct answer: D — 253
The operation led to 253 detentions across 14 states, with over 80 FIRs and more than 200 arrests recorded.
Which state recorded the highest number of detentions in the 12 August 2026 crackdown on the Shahzad Bhatti Network?
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Correct answer: C — Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh had the most detentions (62), followed by Haryana (52), Delhi (51) and Punjab (44).
Consider the following statements about the operation against the Shahzad Bhatti Network: 1. Grenades recovered bore Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings. 2. The operation used a real-time intelligence-sharing system with State Police forces. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Recoveries included grenades with Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, and the operation relied on real-time intelligence sharing with State Police forces.