Maharashtra ATS Conducts Raids Across State Over Alleged Social Media Links to Pakistan-Based ISI Handler
Mumbai, 10th July 2026: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Friday conducted raids at multiple locations across the state as part of an investigation into alleged social media links between several individuals and Pakistan-based alleged ISI handler Shehzad Bhatti.
According to the ATS, search operations are underway at several locations, including Mumbai, Thane, Kurla, Bandra, Jogeshwari, Navi Mumbai, Mira Road, Bhayandar, Sangli, Satara and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The action is aimed at individuals who were allegedly in contact with Bhatti through social media platforms.
The searches come two days after the Delhi Police Special Cell claimed to have busted two alleged modules linked to Bhatti and arrested six suspected operatives from Delhi and Punjab.
Alleged Plot to Target Key Locations in Delhi
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the accused allegedly planned petrol bomb attacks at key locations in the national capital at the behest of Bhatti.
Investigators said the suspects had reportedly conducted reconnaissance at several locations, including New Police Lines in Civil Lines, the Anand Vihar Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT), a railway station, and crowded marketplaces in Delhi. Videos of these locations were allegedly recovered from the accused’s mobile phones and were purportedly shared with Bhatti through an encrypted messaging application.
Petrol Bombs Recovered During Investigation
Sources further claimed that social media chats recovered during the investigation indicated that Bhatti had allegedly instructed one of the accused, Danish alias Chand Miyan, regarding the delivery and storage of materials believed to be petrol bombs intended for the planned attacks.
Earlier, the Delhi Police Special Cell had recovered petrol bombs from Vijay Ghat, located behind Rajghat, during the course of the investigation.
Probe into Wider Cross-Border Network
Officials said the six arrested suspects were allegedly in contact with at least 10 other individuals based in Pakistan who are believed to be working for Bhatti. Investigators are examining their alleged roles in the suspected cross-border network and the broader conspiracy.
According to the investigation, Danish alias Chand Miyan was allegedly tasked with conducting reconnaissance and planning the attacks in Delhi, with a promise of ₹20,000 upon successful completion of the operation.
Another accused, Salman, was allegedly assigned to record the attacks and send the footage to Bhatti. Taiyab allegedly handled the receipt and sale of an arms consignment, while Zubair Khan is accused of transporting the consignment from Amritsar. Ali Fazal allegedly assisted in the sale of the weapons, and Malkit Singh is suspected of facilitating the distribution of arms allegedly dropped by drones from across the border.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the alleged network and the involvement of other Pakistan-based handlers.
No further details have been officially disclosed by the Maharashtra ATS regarding the searches or any detentions made during Friday’s operation.
