The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Tuesday questioned 66 people in Pune district after they were allegedly found to have been in contact with Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and his associates, reported the PTI.
According to the ATS, the operation began at 7 am and was carried out with the assistance of Pune City Police, Pune Rural Police and Pimpri Chinchwad Police.
The ATS said it suspects that Bhatti used social media platforms to attempt to radicalise Indian youths and encourage them to take part in anti-national activities.
Bhatti, along with his associates Abid Jatt alias Abid Chhal, Ajmal Gujar, Hammad Memon, Rana Hunain and Ashraf Bashir Alam, allegedly used social media platforms to establish contact with Indian youths, according to the ATS.
Investigators alleged that Bhatti and his associates established contact with young people in India through platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Telegram and WhatsApp, as per the PTI.
Social media allegedly used to recruit youths
According to the ATS, the group allegedly attempted to exploit religious and socially sensitive issues to spread propaganda and influence young people, the news agency reported.
The agency further claimed that unemployed youths and those from economically weaker backgrounds were allegedly offered financial incentives to draw them into anti-national and anti-social activities.
The ATS also alleged that the network sought to create sleeper cells or local operatives for gathering sensitive information, drug trafficking and the illegal movement of weapons, reported the PTI.
ATS issues public advisory
Following the operation, the ATS urged citizens, particularly young people, not to engage with unknown or suspicious individuals on social media or be tempted by offers of easy money or illegal work.
The agency also advised parents to monitor their children’s online activity and internet use, and to report any sudden behavioural changes or suspicious activity to the authorities.
In addition, the ATS appealed to the public not to believe or forward social media content that could threaten national integrity or disturb public order.
Investigation continues
The ATS said enquiries are continuing as part of its investigation into the suspected network and its alleged attempts to influence and recruit individuals through online platforms.
(with PTI inputs)
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