ISLAMABAD: Indian Home Minister Amit Shah has claimed that Indian security agencies dismantled an alleged militant network known as the “Shehzad Bhatti Network” before India's Independence Day and arrested more than 200 people linked to the group.

Pakistan has rejected the allegation, describing it as part of what it called India's campaign to divert attention from its own internal security challenges.

According to Shah's statement on X, Indian security forces conducted coordinated operations at multiple locations across 14 states, targeting the alleged network, which India claims is backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Shah said the operations were part of India's “zero tolerance” policy against terrorism. He also claimed that security forces recovered weapons and explosives, including grenades bearing markings associated with Pakistan Ordnance Factories, pistols, ammunition and CCTV cameras allegedly used for surveillance.

What does India allege about Shehzad Bhatti?

India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) has previously accused Shehzad Bhatti of operating a criminal and militant network and planning attacks in India.

In a statement issued on June 9, the NIA said coordinated searches were conducted at 18 locations across nine districts of Punjab and Haryana in connection with three cases allegedly linked to Bhatti.

The agency said digital devices and documents were seized during the searches and investigators were examining communications, financial transactions and the activities of people allegedly connected to the network.

The NIA has linked Bhatti to a March 2025 grenade attack at the residence of social media influencer Roger Sindhu in Jalandhar, Punjab. The agency said Bhatti was declared a proclaimed offender in the case in April 2026.

The NIA has also accused him of being involved in alleged explosions at a women's police station in Sirsa, Haryana, in November 2025 and at the Baldev Nagar police station in Ambala in January 2026.

In July, the NIA said it had filed a charge sheet against eight people, including Bhatti, in connection with a car bomb explosion in the parking area of the Baldev Nagar police station.

The agency alleged that Bhatti established a local network in India and assigned individuals responsibilities for arranging explosives and logistical support for attacks on police facilities.

Bhatti denies links to ISI

Bhatti has denied the allegations made against him by Indian authorities, including claims that he works for Pakistan's intelligence agency.

In videos posted on social media, a man identifying himself as Shehzad Bhatti described Indian reports about his alleged network as false and challenged authorities to produce evidence linking him to the arrested individuals.

He also denied involvement in an alleged RDX recovery in Ambala and rejected claims that he was working for the ISI.

However, in one video, the man identifying himself as Bhatti acknowledged that some people in India work for him but did not explain the nature of their activities.

Alleged links with Lawrence Bishnoi

Bhatti has also claimed that he previously had links with Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, but said their relationship ended over disagreements involving the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala and what he described as Bishnoi's treatment of his associates.

Indian media reports have claimed that Bhatti is based in the United Arab Emirates, although this has not been independently verified.

Social media posts appearing on accounts attributed to Bhatti have shown him in Dubai, including at restaurants and the Dubai Mall.

Pakistan rejects India's allegations

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry rejected Amit Shah's claims, calling them “propaganda” and alleging that India was attempting to shift international attention away from what Islamabad described as state-sponsored terrorism and targeted killings.

Pakistan has consistently denied supporting militant attacks in India.

The allegations and counter-allegations come amid continued tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, with both sides accusing each other of supporting militant or destabilising activities.