New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has declared the Shejad Batti group, alleged to be backed by Pakistan’s ISI, as a terrorist organisation.
According to the MHA, Shejad Batti—described as a Pakistan-origin individual linked to the ISI—projected himself as a social media influencer and allegedly used online platforms to radicalise and recruit Indian youth into his network.
The ministry said it had uncovered plans to carry out attacks across different parts of the country around Independence Day. Following this, it ordered simultaneous searches nationwide on August 12.
Officials stated that more than 200 suspects were arrested during the operation, alleged plots were foiled, and a large cache of weapons was seized. The MHA claimed the seized arms were manufactured in Pakistan.
In its notification, the ministry said the designation was made under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). It alleged the group incited youth and petty criminals, engaged in cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics, and circulated digital content aimed at targeting the country’s social harmony and infrastructure.
