Shahzad Bhatti
ATS has arrested 52 suspects over the past four months in cases involving alleged terrorist activities linked to the network, according to information cited by officials.
Officials said around two dozen individuals have been identified for scrutiny based on information gathered during earlier investigations and the interrogation of arrested suspects. Their individual roles are being verified before any further action is taken.
Shahzad Bhatti is a Pakistan-based gangster-turned-terror suspect who has been under investigation by Indian security agencies for alleged cross-border criminal and terror activities.
LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has stepped up efforts to disrupt the alleged Shahzad Bhatti network in the state, with investigators questioning around 24 people in 10 districts and examining their social media activity, mobile communications and contacts, officials familiar with the investigation said.
“Of the total 24, 18 have been let off after a warning, while the gadgets of six others are still being scrutinised,” said an official privy to the probe. The operation was continuing till the last reports came in. A major focus of the investigation is the alleged use of social media platforms and mobile phones to establish contact with potential recruits and maintain communication with associates. ATS teams are examining social media accounts, chats, call records and other digital evidence of the people being questioned. Investigators are particularly looking at the nature, frequency and duration of their communications with persons already under investigation.