NIA searches 18 locations in Punjab, Haryana in three Pak-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti-linked terror cases
New Delhi, June 9
The National Investigation Agency on Tuesday conducted searches at multiple locations in Punjab and Haryana in connection with three terror-gangster network cases linked to Pakistan-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti.
NIA teams carried out coordinated searches at 18 locations across nine districts in the two states. Several individuals were examined to gather relevant information, while digital devices, documents, and data related to communication networks, financial transactions, and the activities of persons under the agency's scanner were seized in connection with the three cases.
The information and evidence collected during the searches have been sent for scrutiny, as well as forensic and technical examination, to help unravel the larger cross-border conspiracy.
Notices have also been issued to certain individuals to join the investigation for further questioning as part of the NIA's ongoing probe into the broader conspiracy allegedly being operated by gangster-turned-terrorist Bhatti from across the border. Tuesday's searches focused on identifying Bhatti's associates and others linked to the terror conspiracy in all three cases.
According to the NIA, investigations in case RC-22/2025/NIA/DLI have traced the March 2025 grenade attack at the residence of social media influencer Roger Sandhu in Punjab's Jalandhar to Bhatti. In April, the agency chargesheeted Bhatti, who remains absconding, along with another accused in the case.
The NIA has further found that Bhatti also masterminded the November 2025 explosion at the Women Police Station in Haryana's Sirsa (case RC-24/2025/NIA/DLI), and the January 2026 blast at the Baldev Nagar Police Station in Haryana'a Ambala (case RC-03/2026/NIA/DLI). In the Sirsa case, the agency chargesheeted nine individuals, including Bhatti and another Pakistan-based handler, Sohail Ahmad alias Sohail Baloch, in May.
The Baldev Nagar Police Station case relates to a car bomb explosion, in which one arrested accused was found to have been in contact with Bhatti.
Investigations in all three cases are continuing as part of the NIA's efforts to trace every link in the terror network and bring those responsible to justice.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone living abroad, I'm glad Indian agencies are cracking down on these networks. But I worry about the safety of ordinary citizens in Punjab and Haryana. Hope the police and public stay vigilant. 🙏
These Pakistan-based handlers are getting bolder by the day. Targeting police stations and influencers shows they want to create maximum fear. But our security forces are catching up. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
I appreciate the NIA's efforts, but I hope they also focus on the root causes—why are young people getting radicalized or joining gangster networks? Better education and employment opportunities in border states might help in the long run. Just my two paise.
Shocking that these attacks happened as recently as November 2025 and January 2026. The system needs to be more proactive. Searches are good, but prevention is better. Hope the forensic evidence leads to solid convictions. 🤞
NIA is doing a good job coordinating across states. But I'm concerned about the social media influencer angle—Roger Sandhu was targeted just for his views. We need stronger cyber security laws to protect digital voices. 📱
While I support the crackdown
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