Gangster Shahzad Bhatti recruited operatives through social media platforms
UAE‑based criminal Shahzad Bhatti used online channels to enlist youths for sabotage and surveillance of Indian critical sites, police say.
Police investigations have uncovered that Shahzad Bhatti, a self‑styled influencer operating out of the United Arab Emirates, leveraged social‑media networks to assemble a cadre of operatives for illicit activities in India. According to Indian law‑enforcement officials, Bhatti posted offers of cash incentives to young individuals, urging them to plant explosives and throw grenades near strategic locations such as air bases, railway stations and major roadways.
The recruitment drive reportedly extended beyond mere sabotage. Bhatti is alleged to have instructed his recruits to install covert cameras at the identified sites, capturing live footage that was subsequently transmitted across the border to contacts in Pakistan. Investigators say the digital trail links the uploaded videos to a network that could facilitate further hostile actions against Indian infrastructure.
Authorities highlighted Bhatti’s dual role as a gangster and a social‑media personality, noting that his online presence helped him reach a wide audience of impressionable youths. The police narrative suggests that the promise of quick money appealed to a segment of the demographic, making them vulnerable to manipulation for violent ends.
The operation, as described by officials, underscores a growing trend where criminal syndicates exploit the anonymity and reach of internet platforms to orchestrate cross‑border security threats. While the exact scale of the plot remains under investigation, the case has prompted calls for tighter monitoring of online recruitment tactics that target vulnerable populations.
Law enforcement agencies are now focusing on dismantling the communication channels used by Bhatti and his associates, aiming to prevent the materialisation of any planned attacks. The investigation continues, with officials urging the public to report suspicious online solicitations that involve extremist or violent content.
Original reporting: The Hindu (https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/gangster-shahzad-bhatti-picked-operatives-through-social-media/article71356899.ece).