The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Friday launched simultaneous raids across five districts of Vidarbha and detained 10 youths for questioning over their suspected links with Pakistan-based gangsters through social media. The operation began around 7 am on Friday in Nagpur, Gondia, Gadchiroli, Chandrapur and Wardha. Sources said a similar raid was also carried out in Akola. The detained youths are currently being questioned at the ATS office in Nagpur. Their identities have not been revealed as the investigation is still underway. As per the sources, youths are from Vaishali Nagar, Yashodhara Nagar, Central Avenue, Ganeshpeth, and Hudkeshwar areas were picked by ATS for questioning. Preliminary inquiries suggest that the youths were allegedly in contact with Pakistan-based gangsters Shahzad Bhatti, Abid Jat and Rana Hanene through Instagram and other social media platforms. Investigators believe the gangsters initiated contact by sending links and messages online before gradually building communication. According to the ATS, the conversations were not random.

 

Investigators suspect the gangsters were trying to assess the youths’ financial condition, mindset and any criminal background before attempting to draw them into their network. Officials believe this is part of a larger strategy to identify vulnerable individuals who could later be used for criminal or anti-national activities. Sources said the network mainly targets youths facing financial hardship, those with criminal backgrounds, drug addicts and people willing to take risks for quick money. Investigators believe such individuals are lured with promises of easy earnings and other incentives to help expand the gang’s operations in India. The ATS is now examining the mobile phones, social media accounts and digital transactions of the detained youths. Investigators are trying to establish the nature of their conversations, whether any money was transferred and if there were plans to involve them in criminal activities. Officials described the inquiry as being at a sensitive stage and said details are being kept confidential for now.

 

A top rank official said that any further legal action will depend on the evidence collected during the investigation. Following the operation, intelligence agencies have stepped up surveillance of suspicious activity on social media platforms across the country. They are closely monitoring attempts by foreign-based criminal groups to make contact with Indian youths online. Investigators say Shahzad Bhatti is a notorious gangster operating from Pakistan who is suspected of trying to build a network in India. His associates, Abid Jat and Rana Hanene, are also believed to play a role in identifying, contacting and recruiting youths through social media. The officials urged young people to remain cautious while using social media and avoid responding to suspicious messages or unknown links.