Maharashtra ATS Raids Thane and Other Cities Over Alleged Pakistan ISI Links
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Friday, July 10, 2026, conducted a series of search operations and raids across multiple locations in Maharashtra, including Thane, Navi Mumbai, Mira Road, and Bhayandar, following reports of alleged social media links between several local individuals and a Pakistan-based handler.
The operations were initiated to investigate the communication channels between these unnamed individuals and the alleged Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) handler, identified as Shahzad Bhatti.
According to official reports from the ATS, the search operations were widespread, covering numerous urban and semi-urban areas. The locations targeted during the Friday raids included Thane, Navi Mumbai, Mira Road, Bhayandar, Mumbai, Kurla, Bandra, Jogeshwari, Sangli, Satara, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
The primary objective of these coordinated raids is to crack down on potential espionage and terror links. By executing these searches, the ATS aims to advance its ongoing investigation into suspected national security threats linked to Pakistan's intelligence agency.
The investigation focuses on the nature of the social media interactions between the local suspects and Shahzad Bhatti. Security officials are analyzing the digital footprint of the communication to determine if any sensitive information was shared or if there were active plans to compromise national security.
The ATS has not yet disclosed the identities of the individuals whose premises were searched during the operation. No official arrests have been announced as of Friday, but the counter-terrorism agency continues to analyze the materials and digital devices gathered during the raids.
The multi-city operation highlights the ongoing efforts of the Maharashtra ATS to monitor and disrupt potential cross-border espionage networks operating through digital platforms. Further updates from the investigating officers are expected as the probe into the suspected ISI links progresses across the state.
