• Source:JND

Pakistani gangster Shahzad Bhatti is believed to be radicalising the Indian youth through Instagram and gaming applications. Using these media, his gang is luring them to their network and making them their sleeper cells in the country.

The modus operandi of the Shahzad Bhatti gang for recruitment came to light after the recent arrest of six sleeper cells in western Uttar Pradesh. The Bhatti network is using these sleeper cells to plan and carry out a major incident in the country.

The process is similar to a new pattern employed by the terror organisations and the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI, where common youngsters are being groomed instead of terrorists for extremist purposes.

After initial reports of the Telegram app's use for terrorism, Instagram reels and shorts are now being used for the same purpose. Videos inspired by ideological extremism are being posted on Instagram to influence the country's youth.

Based on likes and shares on such videos and posts, a team of Shahzad Bhatti's network starts targeting young people. They are served anti-national content, and the same practice is also being carried out through gaming apps.

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Once the young minds fall in their trap, the conversation moves on to encrypted messaging apps. Before inducting them into the gang, they are given a task. The network promises them large sums of money and promises of being sent abroad upon completion.

Arrested sleeper cells were tasked to recce schools, hospitals, and political party offices

The six recently arrested sleeper cells were tasked with conducting reconnaissance of schools, colleges, hospitals, businesses, and political party offices in Uttar Pradesh, the National Capital Region (NCR), and Punjab. A meeting was also held in Noida regarding this.

However, the UP ATS got a tip and arrested two sleeper cell members, Tushar Chauhan and Sameer Khan, from Noida. Thereafter, Mahkab, Shahrukh, Gagandeep alias Gur, and Musharraf were arrested in Saharanpur.

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Later on June 1, the UP ATS arrested a Pakistani gangster and a sleeper cell operating for the ISI in Azamgarh. He was identified as Mohammad Sheikh. The ATS also recovered a 9mm pistol and four live cartridges from the suspect.


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