New Delhi puts controversial name at centre of a fresh Pakistan-India row, alleging that Shehzad Bhatti was behind a so-called spy network recruiting Indian youths. Pakistan not only rejected the allegations as baseless, but raised questions over evidence behind New Delhi’s rediculous claims.
With accusations making headlines before any final legal determination, the controversy has once again put Modi’s Hindutva-inspired narrative under scrutiny.
A name suddenly climbing Google’s top searches triggered fresh controversy between nuclear-armed Pakistan and India. Shehzad Bhatti has become the focus of serious allegations by Indian authorities, who claim that the Pakistani national is linked to a network allegedly recruiting Indian youths for espionage, criminal activities and possible attacks.
Indian Home Minister Amit Shah alleged that a network operating from Pakistan and linked to Bhatti was recruiting young Indians and using them for intelligence-related activities and other crimes. Indian authorities have further claimed that the network allegedly had the backing of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
According to Indian investigators, Bhatti, believed to be around 45, is alleged Pakistani gangster who later became associated with a network involved in the recruitment of Indian youths. He also attracted attention through his social media activities, particularly those associated with the Triple T brand, religious themes and Pakistan-India relations.
Indian authorities claim that investigations into the alleged network resulted in operations across 14 states, with 253 people detained, more than 200 arrests made and over 80 cases registered. India says the crackdown targeted individuals allegedly connected to a network associated with Bhatti.
The allegations, however, have been firmly rejected by Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office trashed claims as baseless, accusing India of attempting to shift attention away from its own internal security and political challenges by blaming Pakistan.
As always, the allegations remain claims made by Indian authorities and have not, by themselves, established Bhatti’s criminal or legal culpability. The final determination will depend on investigations and relevant judicial proceedings.
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