1 hr ago
India Designates Shahzad Bhatti Network Terrorist Organisation Under UAPA
India has officially placed the Shahzad Bhatti Network on its list of terrorist organisations.
The decision was made under a law called the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The government says the network helps move weapons, explosives and drugs across borders.
It also says the group tries to persuade young people and local criminals to join terrorist activities.
Officials allege that the network uses online messages to spread hateful or provocative ideas.
The government says these activities threaten public safety, communal harmony and national security.
The order was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on September 16, 2026.
SBN is now listed as the 46th organisation in the law’s schedule of terrorist groups.
The Ministry of Home Affairs designated the Shahzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist organisation under the UAPA.
A September 16, 2026, notification added SBN as Serial Number 46 to the UAPA’s First Schedule.
The government alleges SBN smuggles arms, explosives and narcotics across borders and recruits vulnerable youth and local criminals.
Authorities also allege that SBN promotes terrorism, mobilises resources and spreads provocative or hateful digital content.
The notification cites criminal cases involving alleged SBN members under several laws, including the UAPA, Arms Act and Explosives Act.
- Who
- The Ministry of Home Affairs designated the Shahzad Bhatti Network; Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the decision.
- What
- The government added the Shahzad Bhatti Network to the UAPA’s First Schedule as a terrorist organisation.
- Where
- India; the government describes SBN as Pakistan-based and alleges cross-border activities.
- When
- September 16, 2026, according to the gazette notification.
- Why
- The government alleges that SBN is involved in arms, explosives and narcotics smuggling, radicalisation, terrorism and provocative digital messaging.
Key facts
- Organisation
- Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN)
- Legal basis
- Section 35(1)(a) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967
- Listing
- Added to the UAPA First Schedule as Serial Number 46
- Notification date
- September 16, 2026
- Government allegations
- Cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics; radicalisation and terrorism
- Cited laws
- UAPA, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, Explosives Act, Information Technology Act and Prevention of Defacement of Property Act
- Issuing authority
- Ministry of Home Affairs
Quotes
Union Home Affairs gazette notification
Official notification designating SBN under the UAPA
“Pursuing PM Shri @narendramodi Ji’s vision of zero tolerance against terror, the MHA declares the Shahzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist organisation under the UAPA. The group is involved in the smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics across borders, apart from inciting youths and petty criminals into terrorism. Targeting India’s democratic structure and the fabric of communal harmony, the syndicate also published hateful digital content.”
NDTV
indianexpress.com
theprint.in
deccanchronicle.com
“'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.”
NDTV
indianexpress.com
theprint.in
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
Shahzad Bhatti Network declared terrorist organisation under UAPA: Govt order
Shahzad Bhatti Network Listed as Terrorist Organisation
Centre Declares Pak-Based Shahzad Bhatti Network As Terrorist Outfit
Home Ministry declares Shahzad Bhatti Network as terrorist organisation under UAPA
Shahzad Bhatti Network declared banned terrorist outfit under UAPA
Centre Declares Shahzad Bhatti Network A Terrorist Organisation









