PTC Web Desk: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said security agencies have arrested more than 200 operatives linked to the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) in coordinated operations across 14 states ahead of Independence Day.

Amit Shah said the crackdown prevented the terror network from carrying out planned subversive activities and demonstrated the Centre's "zero-tolerance" policy towards terrorism.

Multi-state operation conducted on August 12

According to the government, security agencies conducted a coordinated operation on August 12 in cooperation with atate police forces. The operation was supported by a real-time intelligence-sharing system to identify and disrupt SBN-linked activities. More than 200 people were arrested across 14 states. The highest number of arrests was reported from Uttar Pradesh, where 62 persons were taken into custody. Haryana followed with 52 arrests, while Delhi recorded 51 and Punjab 44.

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The government said that, so far, more than 80 FIRs have been registered against members and aides of the Shahzad Bhatti Network under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and Explosive Substances Act.

IEDs, grenades and weapons recovered

Security agencies recovered several items during the crackdown, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), grenades, pistols and live cartridges.

Officials said some of the grenades carried markings of Pakistan Ordnance Factories, which they said pointed to the network's cross-border links. CCTV cameras allegedly used for surveillance and espionage were also recovered.

According to the government, the network had been using local operatives to conduct reconnaissance of police installations, defence establishments and religious sites. These local conduits were also allegedly tasked with installing CCTV cameras to collect information for the network.

The government has described the Shahzad Bhatti Network as an ISI-backed terror group operating through Pakistan-based handlers and local associates in India.

In a post on X, Amit Shah said the Modi government had "destroyed" the ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network and foiled its plans for subversive attacks by arresting more than 200 operatives.

Shah said security forces carried out coordinated operations at multiple locations across 14 states and described the action as an example of India's zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism.