Pak-based Shahzad Bhatti network now a banned terror group under UAPA

New Delhi: The Union home ministry on Wednesday brought Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN), a terrorist organisation, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. A gazette notification issued by the ministry invoked section 35(1)(a) of UAPA to add 'Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN)' to the first schedule of the Act, which lists banned terrorist organisations.

The notification issued by MHA reads, "Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) is an organisation whose objective is to involve gullible youth and local criminals to smuggle arms, explosives and narcotics from across the border, and through terrorist activities, pose a serious threat to the democratic system, communal harmony and internal security of the country. Several criminal cases have been duly registered against the cadres of Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) across multiple jurisdictions for their involvement in unlawful and terrorist activities."

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The order notes, "SBN is involved in radicalising gullible youth by offering various allurements, motivating them for anti-national activities and mobilising resources for anti-national acts in collusion with other banned organisations and designated entities. The banned group is promoting terrorism through violent activities that disrupt public order and by using various digital communication platforms to disseminate provocative messages, posing a serious challenge to the integrity of the nation. SBN is involved in terrorism and has participated in various acts of terrorism in India."

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Syndicate also published hateful digital content: Shah

In a post on X, Union home minister Amit Shah said, "The group is involved in smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics across borders, apart from inciting youths and petty criminals into terrorism. Targeting India's democratic structure and the fabric of communal harmony, the syndicate also published hateful digital content."