The Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad said on Tuesday (July 14, 2026) that it was questioning 66 youths in Pune whom it suspects have links with Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and his associates Abid Jat alias Abid Chhal, Ajmal Gujar, Hammad Memon, Rana Hunnain, and Ashraf Bashir Alam. The agency suspects these persons are misusing social media to expand their network in India.
“Discontent is being spread among the Indian youth. They are being brainwashed. Those who belong to economically weaker sections are being lured with money to participate in anti-national activities,” an ATS officer said. He added that the gang was working to create sleeper cells and agents at the local level.
“We have undertaken this action (of questioning the 66 people) on the suspicion that Shahzad Bhatti was forcing these youth into anti-national activities through the use of social media,” the officer added.
The operation began at 7 a.m. and was carried out with the assistance of the Pune city police, Pune rural police, and Pimpri Chinchwad police.
The agency said that the gangsters were allegedly using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, and WhatsApp to establish contact with Indian youths. They allegedly tried to exploit religious and socially sensitive issues to spread propaganda and influence them.
The ATS has issued an advisory to parents asking them to monitor children’s social media use so they do not engage with unknown people. The agency has requested parents to monitor their behaviour and alert the agency. It has appealed to everyone to avoid contacting unknown or suspicious people on social media platforms.
Published – July 14, 2026 10:10 pm IST
