Hapur: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has intensified action against suspects allegedly linked to Pakistani gangster Shahzad Bhatti ahead of Independence Day. The Meerut unit of the ATS has detained two suspects from Hapur. They are being questioned, while their mobile phones, social media contacts and other digital activities are being examined. Investigators suspect that the two may have links with the gangster and his network operating from Pakistan.
The suspected network is not believed to be limited to western Uttar Pradesh. Investigations have revealed suspected connections extending to Meerut, Ghaziabad, Noida, Kanpur Dehat and Kalaburagi in Karnataka. More than 25 youths allegedly linked to Shahzad Bhatti have so far been arrested or questioned in connection with the investigation. However, the exact role of each suspect and the nature of their alleged links with Pakistan will become clear only after the investigation is completed.
Network Emerged After Ambala Arrests
The alleged network first came to light following an operation in Ambala in March. On March 13, three youths, including Meerut resident Anas, were arrested. Investigators alleged that Anas had come into contact with Pakistan-based handlers while staying in Chandigarh around two years earlier.
On March 15, six more suspects, including Suhail Malik and Mehak, were arrested. According to investigators, Mehak was allegedly in direct contact with handlers based in Pakistan. The suspects were also accused of attempting to install CCTV cameras near sensitive locations, including Delhi Cantonment and Sonipat railway station, allegedly for surveillance purposes. Digital devices and communication records became an important part of the investigation.
Funding and Video Call Evidence Under Scrutiny
During the investigation, money allegedly linked to the network was found to have reached bank accounts associated with Meerut residents Gagan and Durgesh. On March 17, Azad Rajput, a resident of the Bhawanpur area, was arrested near the Partapur toll plaza in Meerut. Investigators reportedly found evidence of a video call between him and Shahzad Bhatti on his mobile phone. A relative from Dhaulana in Hapur was also reportedly detained during the operation.
On March 20, several suspects, including Ganesh and Gagan Kumar, were arrested in Ghaziabad. The investigation also indicated the possible involvement of five minors in the alleged network. Investigators are now examining their individual roles and determining whether they were acting independently or under instructions from Pakistan-based contacts.
Investigation Reaches Noida and Kanpur Dehat
On April 24, Tushar Chauhan, alias Hizbullah Ali Khan, who was reportedly staying in Kankerkhera, was arrested from Noida. His family claimed that he had a history of mental health problems. It was also reported that he had established social media contact with a Pakistani serviceman. Investigators are examining the nature and purpose of those communications.
In Kanpur Dehat, the ATS also detained a brother and sister in Akbarpur for questioning. They are suspected of having communicated with Pakistan-based individuals through social media or telephone calls. However, their alleged foreign links have not yet been officially confirmed.
Action in Karnataka
The ATS also arrested Mohammad Sameer and Salman near Uplam village in Kalaburagi taluk, Karnataka. Both are reportedly from Uttar Pradesh and had been working at a meat processing facility in the area. Investigators recovered several maps from Sameer’s room. Their alleged contacts with Shahzad Bhatti and other members of his network are now being examined.
The recovery of the maps has become another aspect of the investigation, although their purpose and connection with the alleged network will have to be established through further evidence.
Hapur Bike Connection Under Investigation
Local authorities have also begun examining a separate lead after a motorcycle registered in the name of Qadir Abdul, a resident of Sardhana, was found in Sherpur village in Hapur. The detention of two suspects in Hapur prompted intelligence agencies in Meerut to remain alert.
However, local police officials have said they currently do not have concrete information establishing Qadir Abdul’s connection with the suspected network. The Circle Officer of Sardhana said the ATS had not contacted the local police in this regard so far. Police are nevertheless verifying the ownership and use of the motorcycle.
The ATS investigation is now focused on linking digital communications, financial transactions, mobile records and the suspects’ interpersonal connections. Investigators are attempting to determine the actual extent of the alleged Pakistan connection and whether the suspects were part of a coordinated network or had unrelated contacts.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
