India’s security agencies claimed to have dismantled an alleged Pakistan spy agency ISI-backed terror network ahead of India’s 80th Independence Day, laying hands on more than 200 operatives across 14 states, according to a statement by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The multi-state crackdown targeted the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN), which, according to the agencies, was involved in terrorist activities, espionage and attacks across the country. The coordinated operation was conducted on August 12, 2026, in collaboration with state police forces and relied on a real-time intelligence-sharing mechanism.

As per the MHA, more than 200 SBN operatives have been arrested cumulatively, while over 80 FIRs have been registered against members of the network under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Arms Act, NDPS Act and Explosive Substances Act.

Home Minister Shah hails crackdown

Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the operation, saying the security forces had thwarted the network’s alleged plans for subversive attacks ahead of Independence Day.

Minister Shah posted a statement on ‘X,’ in which he said the Narendra Modi-led government had ‘destroyed’ the ISI-backed SBN and had swooped down on more than 200 operatives. He termed the coordinated action across 14 Indian states an ‘example of India’s zero-tolerance policy’ towards terrorism.

He added that security agencies had recovered a significant cache of suspected terror-related material, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols and live cartridges. Minister Shah further informed that CCTV cameras allegedly used for espionage were also seized, adding that the network had been involved in several terrorist activities.

Crackdown spanned 14 states

According to officials, the August 12 operation resulted in 253 detentions, and Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 62. Haryana followed with 52 detentions and Delhi assumed the third spot with 51.

Punjab accounted for 44 detentions, while Rajasthan saw 15 of them. Security agency officials said the SBN was allegedly linked to grenade, IED and petrol bomb attacks, targeted killing and espionage operations in different parts of India. Investigators also suspect that members of the network paid local conduits to conduct recce of police, defence and religious sites. Some operatives allegedly lent contributions in installing CCTV cameras at strategic locations as part of the network’s surveillance activities.

Centre focused on dismantling cross-border terror network

The recent crackdown is part of the Union Government’s broader efforts to dismantle alleged cross-border terror networks operating across India. With coordinated searches, arrests and intelligence-sharing involving multiple state police forces, security agencies have ramped up efforts to disrupt the network’s operational infrastructure and prevent potential attacks.