Gujarat’s anti‑terrorism squad said it had pulled two men out of the street after a sting that traced their contact to a Pakistani militant—an operation that unfolded over several days of surveillance and undercover work. They were taken to the ATS office the next day.
Shahzad Bhatti, a 45‑year‑old from Punjab, was first arrested in 2013 for theft and robbery, and after a criminal trial was accused of a more serious offence that forced him to leave Pakistan for Dubai in 2015. In Dubai he ran scrap and dairy businesses while keeping in touch with the Farooq Khokar gang.
On Instagram, Bhatti posts reels under the handle ‘333’ that showcase luxury cars and rewards, promising recruits a quick path to wealth. He then contacts them via private messages, offering money and a chance to travel abroad, according to intelligence reports.
The crackdown has dismantled more than 40 modules, registered 100 FIRs, arrested 350 people across 15 states, and the Centre has declared the network a terrorist organisation under the UAPA. Officials say the network also smuggles weapons and narcotics.
The 29‑year‑old gym trainer, who lives with his parents and brother, said he had been following Bhatti’s reels for 1½ years before he was approached. The 19‑year‑old clothing‑store worker claimed she was lured by promises of money and luxury before being arrested.