STF on high alert ahead of Amit Shah’s visit; keeping a close watch on the Shahzad Bhatti gang’s network.
Dehradun. In view of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Uttarakhand and Diwali festival, the security agencies of the state are on high alert. The state’s Special Task Force (STF) has increased surveillance on the activities of suspects linked to the Shehzad Bhatti network operating from Pakistan. Security agencies fear that through social media, efforts may be made to influence the youth and turn them towards radical activities. In view of this threat, STF has intensified cyber patrolling. Suspicious social media accounts, online activities and intelligence inputs received by security agencies are being continuously reviewed.
Uttarakhand STF Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh said that all security agencies take special precautions before any VVIP visit or a big festival like Diwali. During this, Intelligence Bureau (IB), State Police, STF and other concerned departments work in mutual coordination. Every important information received by security agencies is verified at the field level, so that any potential threat can be identified in time.
Eye on 20 suspects associated with Shehzad Bhatti gang
According to media reports, security agencies have identified around 20 suspects allegedly linked to the Shehzad Bhatti network. Their activities and possible contacts are being investigated. However, being marked as a suspect does not necessarily mean proving a person’s involvement in a crime.
STF’s special focus is on those activities through which attempts are made to influence the youth by showing inflammatory material on social media. The agencies are trying to find out whether any person in the state is connected to such networks which promote violent or illegal activities.
Cyber patrolling intensified on social media
STF has increased surveillance on social media platforms. Investigative agencies are analyzing suspicious and inflammatory digital content and possible networks associated with it.
According to security agencies, some terrorist networks use social media to influence the youth. These may include efforts like misleading propaganda, promoting radical ideology and inciting youth for illegal activities.
Uttarakhand Director General of Police Deepam Seth had also directed security and intelligence agencies in September to strengthen monitoring of social media. The directions were issued following information regarding alleged attempts by Pakistan-based gangster Shehzad Bhatti and his associates to influence the youth.
Special security arrangements regarding Amit Shah’s visit
Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s program is scheduled in Dehradun on Friday. Security arrangements have been tightened in view of various events including public meetings at the parade ground.
During VVIP events, security agencies keep an eye on the venues as well as the surrounding areas. On such occasions, exchange of information between local police, intelligence units and other security departments is important.
According to STF SSP Ajay Singh, security agencies take information related to any potential threat seriously. When intelligence is received, it is investigated with the help of police and other units of the concerned area.
The central government has already declared it a terrorist organization.
The central government has already taken major action against the Shehzad Bhatti network. On September 16, 2026, the Union Home Ministry had declared Shehzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act i.e. UAPA.
According to the Home Ministry, this network has been involved in activities like cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics. Apart from this, this organization has also been accused of inciting youth and petty criminals to commit terrorist activities and spreading hate material through digital mediums.
While giving information about the action against the organization, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had reiterated the zero tolerance policy of the Central Government towards terrorism.
Major action has been taken in 14 states
According to the information released by the Union Home Ministry in August 2026, a coordinated campaign was launched by security agencies in 14 states of the country against the Shehzad Bhatti network.
A total of 253 people were detained during this operation. These included suspects from several states including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand.
According to the ministry, a large number of FIRs and complaints were also filed in matters related to the network. In Uttarakhand also, information was given about the detention of five people.
Security agencies also alert regarding Diwali
During the Diwali festival, there is movement of people in large numbers in markets, religious places and public places. In such a situation, it becomes important for security agencies to monitor crowded areas and identify suspicious activities.
In view of shopping in markets, religious events and public programs during the festival, coordination of intelligence agencies with local police has been increased.
The main objective of STF is to identify potential security threats and ensure timely investigation of information received. For this, along with digital monitoring, the information system is also being kept active at the ground level.