Maharashtra ATS Conducts Massive Statewide Raids; Pakistani Gangster Link Under Investigation

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Wednesday carried out a large-scale operation across the state, conducting simultaneous raids at multiple locations in connection with an alleged network linked to Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and the Dogra Gang.

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According to officials, more than 100 individuals have been detained for questioning following the coordinated operation. The action was launched as part of an investigation into suspected criminal and anti-national activities allegedly connected to operatives based in Pakistan.

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) is conducting searches at multiple locations across the state in connection with an investigation into the alleged social media links of several individuals with Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti. Raids are underway in Mumbai,… pic.twitter.com/10PTSq4AVZ

— IANS (@ians_india) July 10, 2026

Raids Across Multiple Cities

The ATS conducted searches at around 8:00 a.m. in several cities, including:

Mumbai

Pune

Nagpur

Nalasopara

Mira Road

Akola

Nanded

Nashik

Jalgaon

Officials suspect that the detained individuals were either directly or indirectly in contact with Pakistan-based criminal operatives.

Social Media Used for Recruitment

Investigators believe that the alleged network used social media platforms to identify and recruit unemployed youth in India.

According to preliminary findings, recruits were allegedly lured with promises of luxurious lifestyles, easy money, and financial incentives, before being drawn into criminal activities.

The ATS said the operation was aimed at dismantling suspected sleeper cells, organised criminal networks, and individuals linked to Pakistan-based handlers.

Electronic Devices Seized

During the raids, ATS officials seized several electronic devices, including:

Laptops

Mobile phones

Pen drives

Other digital storage devices

The agency is also examining the suspects’ bank accounts and financial transactions to determine whether funds were routed from Pakistan or other foreign countries to support illegal activities.

Who is Shahzad Bhatti?

According to investigating agencies, Shahzad Bhatti, a 45-year-old gangster originally from Lahore, Pakistan, has been on the radar of Indian security agencies for several months.

He is alleged to have links with terror-related networks and is reportedly operating his criminal network from Dubai, while frequently travelling between Pakistan and other Asian countries.

Investigators have linked Bhatti to several serious cases, including:

Allegedly expanding terror-linked criminal networks targeting India.

Accusations related to espionage and organised crime.

Alleged involvement in the March 2024 grenade attack on the residence of YouTuber Roger Sandhu in Jalandhar.

Allegedly helping Zeeshan Akhtar, an accused in the Baba Siddique murder case, flee India.

Investigation Continues

Officials said the investigation is still underway, and further action will depend on the evidence recovered during the raids and the ongoing interrogation of those detained. The ATS is examining digital evidence, financial records, and communication links to determine the extent of the alleged network.

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