Maharashtra ATS questions 57 over suspected links to Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti via social media

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad on Wednesday conducted a statewide crackdown, questioning 57 people suspected of following or communicating with Pakistan-linked gangster Shahzad Bhatti through social media, in a coordinated operation spanning multiple cities.

In a statement, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) said the action began around 8am, with multiple teams carrying out raids and verification drives across Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nalasopara, Mira Road, Nagpur, Pune, Mumbai, Akola, Nanded, Nashik and Jalgaon. The suspects were identified based on intelligence inputs tracking individuals who had allegedly interacted with Bhatti online.

"Surprisingly, we have found that at least six women from different backgrounds, as well as different parts of Maharashtra, were following this gangster on his social media account. Each of these women appears to be highly influenced by him. We are investigating their interest in him," a senior officer privy to the ongoing questioning process said.

According to ATS, the 57 people include 17 from the Mumbai region, 14 from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and eight each from Pune and Nashik, among others. Officials said these people were under scrutiny for either direct communication with Bhatti or repeatedly engaging with his posts.

The crackdown follows intelligence inputs suggesting that Bhatti may be using social media platforms to influence and provoke youths towards anti-national activities. "The moment we find anything breaching the line in terms of national security, we will go all out against these social media users," the ATS said in its statement.

Sources said investigators are analysing mobile phones, social media accounts, digital communication records and online interactions of those questioned to determine the nature and extent of their contact with the gangster network.

The operation is being seen as a major attempt to dismantle alleged digital and local networks linked to Pakistan-based organised crime elements using social media to expand their reach.

"Depending on the screening of the cellphones of these suspects as well as the outcome of the ongoing questioning, the call to register an FIR will be taken by ATS headquarters," an officer involved in the probe said.