NIA to investigate online recruitment network of Pak gangster Shahzad Bhatti, probes ISI links

Published 12 Nov 2026, 14:14 IST

What's behind this

The National Investigation Agency has taken over a case that alleges a conspiracy involving Pakistan‑based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and suspected ISI operatives to radicalise Indian youths through social media, recruiting them for terrorist activities. According to reports, the investigation revealed that Bhatti, along with radical Pakistani YouTubers, allegedly acting on ISI instructions, tried to entice youths with financial incentives. The probe is part of two terror cases being examined in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

AI-generated overview from 2 outlets. It summarises their reporting and adds no reporting of its own.

RSS excerpt

The NIA is investigating how Shahzad Bhatti allegedly used social media and messaging apps to recruit local operatives, including the January 10 Ambala blast.

Coverage arrived over 12 hours. First from Hindustan Times, latest from Deccan Chronicle.

High Corroboration 4 news outlets reporting

How this event was covered

First reported by Hindustan Times at 06:37 UTC on 12 Nov.

Everything here arrived on one day, and nothing since.

Across 1 desk: india.

Compare all reporting outlets (4)

The Assam Tribune Assam Tribune Group 12 Nov 2026, 12:53 IST

NIA takes up case against Pak-based network accused of radicalising youths online

Assam STF has arrested five alleged operatives linked to the network during investigations across the state.

Compare on Varta → Read at The Assam Tribune ↗
1 hour later
Hindustan Times HT Media Current article 12 Nov 2026, 14:14 IST

NIA to investigate online recruitment network of Pak gangster Shahzad Bhatti, probes ISI links

The NIA is investigating how Shahzad Bhatti allegedly used social media and messaging apps to recruit local operatives, including the January 10 Ambala blast.

Read at Hindustan Times ↗
8 hours later
The Hindu Kasturi & Sons Ltd. 12 Nov 2026, 22:29 IST

NIA to probe two terror cases in Punjab, U.P.

During the investigation, it emerged that Pakistani gangster Bhatti, Jatt and radical Pakistani YouTubers, allegedly acting on instructions from the ISI, were attempting to radicalise Indian youths and entice them with financial incentives

Compare on Varta → Read at The Hindu ↗
1 hour later
Deccan Chronicle Deccan Chronicle Holdings 13 Nov 2026, 00:21 IST

NIA Probes Pakistan-Based Gang's Online Radicalisation Network

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over a case involving an alleged conspiracy by Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and suspected ISI operatives to radicalise Indian youths through social media and recruit them for terrorist activities.

Compare on Varta → Read at Deccan Chronicle ↗