The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has launched a major operation against individuals allegedly linked to or following Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and the Dogar gang.
The coordinated action began at around 8 am on Wednesday across multiple cities in Maharashtra. The raids were carried out in Nalasopara, Mira Road, Nagpur, Pune, Mumbai, Akola, Nanded, Nashik and Jalgaon.
In Vidarbha, the ATS conducted extensive searches at multiple locations in Bhandara and Chandrapur districts. The action was initiated to probe individuals suspected of following the social media platforms of Pakistani terrorist Shahzad. ATS officials suspect that some individuals may have been involved in suspicious online interactions or contacts through digital platforms.
The entire investigation is being handled by the Nagpur unit of the Maharashtra ATS.
According to sources, ATS teams have started examining the mobile phones, social media accounts and digital activities of the suspects. Investigating agencies are trying to determine whether any of the individuals have links with terror networks or radical ideologies.
The Nagpur ATS unit has confirmed the raids. Officials said that the operation is not limited to Bhandara and Chandrapur, but similar investigations are being carried out across Maharashtra. The ATS has also intensified surveillance of suspicious activities on social media platforms.
According to ATS officials, the operation is aimed at questioning individuals who were found to be in direct contact with these gangsters or connected with them through social media platforms. The agency believes that social media is often used to spread radical ideologies and influence youth, prompting authorities to closely monitor such accounts and their followers.
ATS officials stated that the large-scale crackdown is part of an effort to dismantle gangster and terror-linked networks operating in Maharashtra.
Search operations and interrogations are currently underway at various locations. So far, no official information regarding arrests has been released, while investigating agencies continue to monitor every aspect of the case.