NIA to investigate online radicalisation of youths by Pakistan-based gangster

According to a report by Hindustan Times, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched an investigation into the online radicalisation of Indian youths by Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and agents of Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI. Officials said on Thursday that the main objective of this conspiracy was to execute terrorist attacks in the country. This investigation has been initiated on the basis of a case registered by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in April this year.

The FIR registered by the NIA includes a total of 8 accused. These include Pakistan-based ISI agent Shahzad Bhatti, as well as other ISI agents such as Mohammad Hamad Barkati, Abid Jatt, Major Hamid, Major Iqbal and Major Anwar. Additionally, Tushar Chauhan alias Hizbullah Ali Khan from Uttar Pradesh and Sameer, a resident of Delhi, have also been named as accused. Both of them were arrested in the month of April by the UP ATS.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Pakistani sleeper cells were being created through social media. According to Uttar Pradesh ADGP Amitabh Yash, Pakistani gangsters Bhatti, Jatt and some radical Pakistani YouTubers were working at the behest of the ISI. They were trying to radicalise Indian youths by offering financial temptations and disrupt the country's internal peace and communal harmony. The accused were planning to execute a major destructive incident.

In the month of September, the Central Government declared the 'Shahzad Bhatti Network' (SBN) as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The government believes that this network is involved in terrorism in India and has played an active role in various terrorist acts.

ISI, which stands for Inter-Services Intelligence, is Pakistan's principal intelligence agency.