Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Two Arrested in Telangana Over Alleged Pakistan-Based Network Links
Police in Telangana arrested two people they believe were connected to a network based in Pakistan.
The network is called the Shehzad Bhatti Network, or SBN.
Investigators say some conversations happened on social media.
They allege that the network contacted young and unemployed people.
These recruits were allegedly offered small amounts of money for tasks such as watching places or gathering information.
One suspect had worked as a waiter in Medchal, while another worked at a sweet shop in Yousufguda.
The investigation involves Telangana police and national agencies.
Officials are also examining similar cases in other Indian states.
The reported dates of the two arrests differ between the article’s introduction and its detailed account.
Telangana and central agencies arrested two alleged supporters of the Shehzad Bhatti Network in Hyderabad.
The suspects were linked to alleged anti-national chats and contacts with Pakistan-based handlers and ISI sympathizers.
Officials said the suspects were picked up from Yousufguda and Medchal around August 14, though the detailed timeline cites arrests on May 23 and August 12.
The investigation alleges that social media was used to recruit vulnerable, unemployed youths for reconnaissance and surveillance tasks.
Authorities reported 253 suspects detained across 14 states, with more than 80 FIRs and 210 formal arrests for questioning.
- Who
- Telangana and central agencies arrested two alleged SBN supporters; Union Home Minister Amit Shah cited a wider national investigation involving 253 suspects.
- What
- The arrests concern alleged anti-national social-media chats and links to the Pakistan-based Shehzad Bhatti Network.
- When
- The suspects were reported as being picked up around August 14; the detailed account says one arrest occurred on May 23 and another on August 12.
- Where
- The arrests and investigation described in detail took place in Hyderabad, including Yousufguda and Medchal.
- Why
- Investigators allege that the suspects had links with SBN operatives and ISI sympathizers involved in recruiting young people for reconnaissance and surveillance.
- Network
- Shehzad Bhatti Network, described in the article as having roots in Pakistan’s ISI.
- Local locations
- Yousufguda and Medchal in Hyderabad.
- Reported national figure
- 253 suspects detained across 14 states.
- Cases reported
- More than 80 FIRs were registered, according to sources cited in the article.
- Formal arrests
- 210 formal arrests for questioning were reported nationwide.
- Alleged recruitment method
- Social-media contact followed by small payments for reconnaissance or surveillance tasks.