Agency to investigate alleged attempts by Shahzad Bhatti and suspected ISI operatives to recruit young Indians for terror activities and disrupt communal harmony.
Registered by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in April this year. Its FIR named eight accused, including Bhatti and sThe National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case to investigate the alleged online radicalisation of Indian youths by Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and suspected Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) operatives, officials said on Thursday.
The investigation follows a case registeveral individuals identified as alleged ISI agents based in Pakistan.
The accused also include Tushar Chauhan, alias Hijbullah Ali Khan, from Uttar Pradesh, and Sameer from Delhi. Both were arrested by the UP ATS in April.
The ATS had been investigating suspected Pakistani sleeper cells allegedly created through social media platforms. Its probe indicated that the two arrested men were in contact with Pakistani operatives and were allegedly planning disruptive activities.
According to Uttar Pradesh Additional Director General of Police Amitabh Yash, Bhatti, Abid Jatt and radical Pakistani YouTubers were allegedly attempting to influence Indian youths through online platforms and offer them financial incentives to disturb internal peace and communal harmony.
In September, the Centre declared the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, citing its alleged involvement in terrorist activities in India.
The NIA will now investigate the wider network and its alleged efforts to recruit and radicalise young people.
About The Author
