The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday declared the Pakistan-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The network is run by gangster-turned-terrorist Shahzad Bhatti, who is backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

According to the MHA, the network is involved in smuggling arms, explosives and narcotics across the border. It also targets vulnerable youth and petty criminals for recruitment into terrorism. The ministry said the group seeks to undermine India’s democratic structure and communal harmony while using digital platforms to spread hateful content.

A gazette notification issued by the MHA said, “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”.

The notification also noted that several criminal cases have been registered against SBN cadres in different jurisdictions. Authorities have invoked provisions of multiple laws in these cases. These include laws dealing with terrorism, explosive substances, arms, information technology, official secrets, immigration and foreigners.

The ministry said the network works to radicalise vulnerable youth by offering various allurements and encouraging them to participate in anti-national activities. It also mobilises resources for such activities while working with other banned organisations and designated entities.

The MHA said the network “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”.

According to intelligence officials, Shahzad Bhatti reportedly operates from a third country and frequently changes his location. The authorities have linked the network to Pakistan’s ISI, which allegedly provides support to Bhatti.

The action against SBN comes after a major security crackdown on the network. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said last month that security agencies had dismantled the network and arrested more than 200 suspects across 14 states.

The MHA’s notification places SBN among organisations designated under the UAPA, giving the government a legal framework to take action against its activities and members. The ministry has cited the network’s alleged involvement in terrorism, arms and explosives smuggling, narcotics trafficking, radicalisation and the use of digital platforms for spreading provocative content.