The Central government has designated the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist organization under the UAPA. The group is involved in cross-border smuggling of arms, narcotics, and inciting Indian youth into terrorism.
The operations involved not only the Central agencies like the NIA but also state police and ATSs. The probe revealed that the SBN was extensively using social media platforms to engage with the gullible youth and local criminals.
Following the leads, the forces foiled several terror plots, including a plan of petrol bomb attacks across Delhi and recce of Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari's Kolkata home, among others.
The crackdown expanded to 14 states. Speaking about busting the SBN's terror operations in the country, Home Minister Amit Shah, last month, said that the Indian forces thwarted SBN's subversive attacks.