ATS Raids 65 Locations Across Pune District; 49 Questioned Over Alleged Links to Pakistan-Based Gangster

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad conducted coordinated raids at 65 locations across Pune city, Pimpri-Chinchwad and the district, questioning 49 individuals over suspected links with Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti.

July 15, 2026 | Pune

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Tuesday carried out a large-scale operation across Pune city, Pimpri-Chinchwad and several parts of Pune district, conducting simultaneous raids at 65 locations in connection with an investigation into alleged links with Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti, who is suspected of involvement in terror-related activities.

According to senior ATS sources, 49 individuals were detained for questioning during the operation. Mobile phones and other digital devices were seized from the suspects and have been sent for forensic and technical analysis as investigators examine possible communication and financial links.

The coordinated operation involved 22 ATS teams that searched multiple locations, including Kondhwa, Yerawada, Vishrantwadi, Kothrud and Parvati in Pune city. Raids were also conducted in Chakan, Mahalunge, Wakad and Chikhali-Kudalwadi in Pimpri-Chinchwad, along with Shirur, Shikrapur, Ranjangaon, Khed and Rajgurunagar in Pune district.

Investigators suspect that the detained individuals, most of whom are young men, had been in contact with Shahzad Bhatti through social media platforms. Officials are analysing the seized electronic devices to determine the nature and extent of these alleged interactions.

The operation follows another statewide ATS crackdown conducted four days earlier, during which nearly 200 individuals were questioned across various cities as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected networks linked to Bhatti.

Preliminary findings indicate that many of the suspects are unemployed youths who spend significant time on social media. Investigators believe Bhatti allegedly identifies individuals who engage with content promoting criminal activities or Pakistan-related material and gradually establishes contact with them online.

During the investigation, ATS officials reportedly found that money had been transferred from Pakistan into the bank account of one of the detained individuals. Authorities are now tracing the source and purpose of the transaction.

Investigators further suspect that Bhatti allegedly used online recruits to gather photographs and local information in exchange for payments. He is also believed to be involved in fake currency circulation, narcotics trafficking and cross-border arms smuggling, all of which remain under investigation.

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