India designates Bhatti network as terrorist group — The Hindu
India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has designated as a terrorist group a network linked to Pakistani social media influencer Shahzad Bhatti, The Hindu International reports.
According to the publication, the network’s activities began in the border state of Punjab and spread to 14 states across the country. Its goal, the publication says, was to create an atmosphere of fear and strengthen Bhatti’s influence in India.
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Two-year investigation
Bhatti’s name has appeared in several terrorism-related investigations in India over the past two years. The Hindu International reports that several young men were imprisoned under the strict Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for actions that, according to the publication, they carried out on Bhatti’s instructions.
Tasks attributed to operatives
Among the tasks attributed by the publication to the operatives were putting up posters glorifying Bhatti and his associates. The report also mentioned installing surveillance cameras near critical facilities, with footage transmitted to Pakistan, and making extortion calls.
