Nagpur: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Nagpur has detained 10 youths from six districts in the Nagpur region for allegedly maintaining contact with notorious Pakistani gangster and social media influencer Shahzad Bhatti through social media platforms.
The coordinated operation was carried out by the ATS Nagpur unit across Nagpur, Bhandara, Gondia, Gadchiroli, Wardha and Yavatmal, where the youths were taken into custody for questioning.
Officials have seized and are examining the suspects’ mobile phones, social media accounts, chats, call records and other digital activities to determine the nature of their interactions with Bhatti.
According to ATS sources, the investigation is focused on establishing whether the contact was limited to social media or if the youths had links to any organised network or other suspicious activities. Investigators are also probing whether foreign-based handlers attempted to influence the youths or gather sensitive information through online platforms.
The ATS has urged citizens not to like, share or forward posts, videos or promotional content related to Shahzad Bhatti or any other suspicious foreign gangster without verification. Officials warned that such online activities could come under the scanner during investigations, and legal action may be initiated if warranted.
Shahzad Bhatti has frequently been associated with anti-India activities and has remained in the spotlight due to his alleged involvement in transnational criminal networks. He had earlier claimed to be close to Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, but the two later became bitter rivals, publicly exchanging threats on social media.
The ATS believes criminal networks are increasingly using digital platforms to reach and influence young people. The agency said the investigation is being conducted with utmost seriousness to determine if the detained individuals had any deeper involvement beyond online interactions.
No arrests have been announced so far, and further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
