The Ministry of Home Affairs has formally designated the Shahzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, or UAPA. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the decision on 16 September 2026. The declaration brings the organization under stricter legal restrictions and criminal penalties.
What the Ministry said about the network
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Shahzad Bhatti Network engages in several unlawful activities. These include the cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics. The group also recruits young people and low-level criminals into terrorist activities.
Beyond direct violence, the network is accused of targeting India’s democratic framework and attempting to damage communal peace and harmony. The organization has also created and spread hateful content through digital platforms. The Home Minister described these actions as part of the government’s approach to maintaining zero tolerance towards terrorism, aligned with the Prime Minister’s stated policy direction.
What this means for you
With this designation, anyone associated with the Shahzad Bhatti Network now faces criminal liability under terrorism laws. The organization’s financial assets can be seized by authorities, and individuals suspected of membership or support may be arrested and prosecuted. If you encounter recruitment attempts or hateful content linked to this network, you can report it to law enforcement agencies. The declaration also restricts the flow of funds and resources to the organization across borders.