New Delhi, September 16 (TNA) The Central Government has declared the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, citing its alleged involvement in terror activities, arms and explosives smuggling, narcotics trafficking and the radicalisation of vulnerable youth.
In a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday, the SBN was added to the First Schedule of the UAPA as serial number 46. The notification was issued under Section 35(1)(a) of the Act.
According to the government, the network allegedly recruits gullible youth and local criminals to smuggle arms, explosives and narcotics across the border. It also allegedly mobilises resources for anti-national activities in collaboration with banned organisations and designated individuals.
The Home Ministry said several criminal cases had been registered against SBN cadres across multiple jurisdictions under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act, the UAPA, the Explosive Substances Act, the Explosives Act, the Information Technology Act, the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, the Official Secrets Act and the Immigration and Foreigners Act.
The notification further stated that the organisation promotes terrorism through violent activities aimed at disrupting public order. It also allegedly uses digital communication platforms to disseminate provocative messages, posing a serious threat to the country’s integrity, communal harmony and internal security.
The Centre said it was satisfied that the Shahzad Bhatti Network was involved in terrorism and had participated in various acts of terror in India. The organisation has therefore been included in the statutory list of terrorist organisations under the UAPA.
The notification was signed by Rakesh Rathi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs. It noted that the First Schedule to the UAPA was last amended through a notification issued on October 10, 2024.