Indian security agencies have dismantled a Pakistan-backed terror network linked to alleged ISI handler Shahzad Bhatti ahead of Independence Day. The coordinated operation led to the detention of 253 people across 14 states and the registration of more than 80 FIRs. Agencies also recovered explosives, firearms and surveillance equipment during the crackdown.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the operation and said the agencies acted to prevent a possible terror attack before August 15. According to Shah, security agencies carried out simultaneous operations against the Shahzad Bhatti network around August 12. The operation involved central agencies and state police forces working together across several states.

"To thwart nefarious designs of terror outfits before Independence Day, our security agencies launched simultaneous operations against the Shahzad Bhatti Network. 253 operatives detained in 14 states. 80-plus FIRs registered. The nation is safe," Shah posted.

Officials said the main focus of the operation remained Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi and Punjab. Security agencies also made arrests in several other states as part of the wider crackdown. The scale of the operation points to an extensive investigation into the network and its alleged links with terror activities.

The raids also led to the recovery of a large amount of arms and surveillance equipment. Security agencies seized improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, along with Pakistan Ordnance Factory-marked grenades, pistols and live cartridges. CCTV equipment was also recovered. Officials suspect that some of the surveillance material may have been used for espionage and reconnaissance of potential targets.

The timing of the operation was considered important by investigators. Sources said intelligence agencies had received inputs about possible attempts to carry out attacks in crowded areas ahead of the Independence Day celebrations. The security agencies therefore moved against the network before August 15 to prevent any such plans from being executed.

Indian intelligence agencies consider Shahzad Bhatti a Pakistan-based handler who operates with the backing of Pakistan's intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence, or ISI. Agencies have been tracking his alleged activities and his role in operating a cross-border network that recruits and supports operatives in India.

According to officials, the network uses hawala channels and encrypted communication applications to move funds and communicate with its members. The alleged network also focuses on supplying explosives and small arms to operatives in India. Local sleeper cells are then used to conduct reconnaissance and identify possible targets, officials said.

Investigators believe the recovery of POF-marked grenades and CCTV equipment connected to surveillance activity provides important clues about the network's operations. The alleged module appears to combine the movement of weapons and explosives with surveillance of targets. This allows its operatives to gather information before carrying out planned activities, according to officials.

The Home Ministry said agencies had been monitoring the network for several months. The August 12 operation followed a series of intelligence inputs collected by central agencies and state police. These inputs were brought together to conduct simultaneous raids across different locations.

The arrests and seizures are now expected to form the basis of further investigations. Agencies will examine the alleged links between those detained and the wider network. They will also investigate the movement of funds, weapons and explosives and the role of individuals suspected of assisting the network.

The operation comes at a time when security agencies remain on heightened alert ahead of Independence Day events. The crackdown has disrupted what officials described as a Pakistan-backed terror network and prevented its alleged operatives from carrying out plans before the national celebrations.