Security Agencies ‘Dismantled’ ISI-Backed Gang Ahead of Independence Day: Shah, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• Security agencies dismantled the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network, backed by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), ahead of Independence Day.
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the operation, which involved detaining 253 people and arresting over 200 operatives across 14 States.
• The network was linked to grenade attacks, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blasts, petrol bomb incidents, and targeted killings.
• Coordinated raids on August 12 thwarted plans for subversive activities around Independence Day.
• Recoveries included IEDs, grenades with Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, and surveillance equipment.

Detailed Insights:

• The operation highlighted a real-time intelligence-sharing mechanism between Central agencies and State police forces.
• The Shahzad Bhatti Network allegedly paid local operatives for reconnaissance of sensitive establishments and surveillance.
• This crackdown reflects the government's "zero-tolerance" policy towards terrorism, as stated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
• Over 80 First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered, leading to arrests under various laws.
• The arrests were made under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Arms Act, NDPS Act, and Explosive Substances Act.
• The widespread nature of the arrests across 14 states indicates the extensive reach of the network within India.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI): The premier intelligence agency of Pakistan, often accused of supporting militant groups and cross-border terrorism.
• Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA): A stringent Indian law aimed at preventing unlawful activities and associations, particularly those related to terrorism.
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): One of the three new criminal laws enacted in India, replacing the Indian Penal Code, 1860, to modernize the criminal justice system.
• Arms Act: Indian legislation regulating the possession, manufacture, sale, transport, and import/export of firearms and ammunition.
• Explosive Substances Act: An Indian law dealing with the possession, manufacture, and use of explosive substances, especially in relation to unlawful activities.