Shahzad Bhatti network has increasingly been tasked with recruiting and directing operatives inside India
The arrest of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)-linked module by the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) has exposed what investigators believe is a Pakistan-backed intelligence network that was allegedly collecting information on political leaders, police officials and large public gatherings across India.
As per reports, the module was primarily engaged in reconnaissance and intelligence collection rather than planning an immediate terror strike. Officials suspect the information gathered could have been used to facilitate future terrorist operations.
According to reports, forensic examination of electronic devices seized during the investigation revealed that two accused, identified as Mondal and Sarkar, were receiving instructions from Pakistan-based handlers operating under aliases such as Abid Jatt 333, Uzair, Rana and Hamad.
Investigators suspect these identities may be linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) as well as the Shahzad Bhatti network, which security agencies believe has increasingly been involved in recruiting and directing operatives inside India.
Officials are examining the digital evidence to establish the extent of the alleged cross-border network and identify additional operatives.
Encrypted Apps Used To Avoid Surveillance
As per reports, communication between the accused and their alleged handlers was conducted through encrypted messaging platforms including WhatsApp, Telegram, Element X and Session.
Investigators believe the use of multiple encrypted platforms was intended to evade surveillance and make detection by security agencies more difficult.
Digital forensic experts are analysing chats, files and metadata recovered from the seized devices to identify other members of the network and reconstruct the communication trail.
One of the most significant findings of the investigation relates to an alleged plan to procure authentic police uniforms.
According to reports, Pakistani handlers instructed an accused identified as Hamim to obtain genuine police uniforms that could be used to impersonate law enforcement personnel during a student protest held at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
Investigators believe the objective was to infiltrate the gathering, monitor participants, collect intelligence and potentially create disorder.
Authorities are still verifying whether the plan progressed beyond the planning stage and whether any operative actually travelled to Delhi.
Focus On Political Leaders And Public Gatherings
The investigation has also revealed what officials describe as a sustained effort to monitor political activities and mass gatherings across the country.
According to reports, Pakistan-based handlers directed operatives to closely observe political movements, public protests and other events involving large crowds.
Security agencies believe such intelligence gathering forms part of a broader strategy aimed at identifying vulnerabilities that could later be exploited for disruptive or terrorist activities.
Probe Also Examining Honey Trap Angle
Apart from surveillance activities, the STF is also investigating an alleged ISI- and JeM-linked network suspected of using honey traps to obtain sensitive information from targeted individuals.
According to reports, investigators are examining whether the network attempted to compromise political leaders, police personnel or other individuals with access to sensitive information.
Officials have not disclosed the identities of any alleged targets as the investigation remains underway.
Shahzad Bhatti Network Under Scanner
According to reports, intelligence agencies believe the Shahzad Bhatti network has assumed a larger role in recruiting and coordinating operatives inside India.
Officials say recent instructions intercepted during the investigation indicate an increased emphasis on building intelligence capabilities and identifying opportunities that could be exploited for future attacks.
Investigators are analysing whether the Bengal module had links with other sleeper cells operating in different parts of the country.
The West Bengal STF continues to examine digital evidence, financial transactions and communication records recovered during the investigation.
Authorities are also verifying whether additional individuals assisted the accused or had knowledge of the alleged conspiracy.
