Mumbai, Oct 14: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has intensified its operations against the network linked to Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti after the latter was declared a terrorist organisation, with intelligence inputs suggesting that around 16 handlers associated with the network are on its hit list.

The handlers reportedly include Amal Gujjar, Abad Jat, Farooq Khokhar, Jaffar Supari, Shani Tiger, Rana Hunain, Hassan Gujjar, Sohail Ahmed alias Sohail Baloch, Sardar Zorasingh alias Dogar, Yawar Khan, Hammad Menon, Sohail Chaudhary, Sheikh Salman, Sarfaraz Dogar, Abu Musa, Nomi Khan and Munna Zingada.

According to intelligence inputs, the handlers are allegedly attempting to create unrest in India through their network, with several members believed to be active within the country. Young people are reportedly being lured into the network through tasks such as recording videos of specific locations, putting up posters promoting terror activities and sharing information, including the contact details of ministers.

In return, the youths are allegedly offered money, weapons or opportunities to travel abroad. Investigating agencies are closely monitoring these activities, and individuals interacting with members of the network could come under scrutiny. Authorities may also initiate legal action under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), depending on the nature of the activities and available evidence.

Shahzad Bhatti and his handlers reportedly face more than 100 cases across Delhi, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Maharashtra and Punjab. Punjab accounts for the highest number, with 25 cases, including 20 registered under the UAPA, according to the information available.

The Maharashtra ATS has appealed to citizens to exercise caution while interacting with unknown or suspicious individuals on social media. It has also advised parents to monitor their children’s online activities and remain alert to sudden changes in their behaviour.

The agency has warned people against offers promising easy money, noting that seemingly harmless tasks assigned by strangers could potentially be linked to larger terror-related activities.

Citizens have also been urged not to believe or circulate rumours that could threaten national unity or disturb law and order. The ATS has asserted that those involved in anti-national activities will face action under the law.

Earlier in September, the Union government declared the Shahzad Bhatti Network a terrorist organisation under the UAPA, according to a notification issued by the Union Home Ministry.

The ministry said the organisation was involved in the cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics, besides allegedly radicalising youths and petty criminals and drawing them into terrorist activities.

The network had also allegedly disseminated hateful digital content targeting India’s democratic institutions and communal harmony.

The Home Ministry said the designation was part of the government’s policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Washim, Oct 14: Four women were arrested for stealing gold jewellery worth Rs 1.5 lakh and cash amounting to Rs 28,000 from a 70-year-old woman travelling on a state transport (ST) bus in Maharashtra’s Washim district, police said on Wednesday.

The police recovered the stolen jewellery and cash and returned them to the elderly woman, identified as Chandrakala Bodkhe.

The incident took place on an ST bus travelling from Mangrulpir to Akola. According to preliminary information, the four accused allegedly targeted the elderly passenger’s bag containing gold jewellery and cash during the journey.

When the bus reached Shelu Bazaar, the four women got off. Other passengers became suspicious, following which Bodkhe checked her bag and discovered that her gold jewellery and a bag containing Rs 28,000 in cash were missing.

The elderly woman raised an alarm and sought help from other passengers.

Upon receiving information about the incident, local police reached the spot and launched an investigation. During the probe, the police learnt that the four women had left the area in an auto-rickshaw.

Acting swiftly, the police pursued the suspects and apprehended all four women. The stolen gold jewellery and cash were recovered from their possession and subsequently handed back to the elderly woman.

The incident highlights the need for vigilance among passengers travelling on crowded public transport, particularly elderly commuters carrying valuables.

In a separate incident, Pune Police had arrested three men from Haryana in connection with nine theft cases reported in the city. The police seized valuables worth approximately Rs 23 lakh following an investigation that involved travelling nearly 4,600 km across several states.

According to the police, the accused had targeted people at crowded locations during Ganeshotsav celebrations and Ganesh immersion processions.

The cases were investigated by Vishrambaug Police, who identified the suspects as residents of Palwal in Haryana. Meanwhile, the Aravalli Police in Gujarat had arrested the three men in connection with another case.

With the assistance of the Gujarat Police, a team from Pune Police took the accused into custody. They were identified as Ajay Samsher Vinodkumar Rupsingh Koli (20), Aman Samsher Anil Kumar Narayansingh Koli (24) and Deepak Samsher Rajubhai Sapsingh (21).

New Delhi, Oct 14: Two unidentified assailants shot a man dead in Delhi Sonia Vihar before fleeing the spot, officials said on Wednesday, adding that multiple teams have been formed to arrest the accused.

The incident occurred late on Tuesday, when two bike-borne persons shot 34-year-old Manish Yadav.

“On 13.10.2026, at about 09:13 PM, a firing incident was reported at PS Sonia Vihar. Upon reaching the spot, it was learnt that a person identified as Manish Yadav (34 years), S/o Jai Bhagwan, R/o Service Road, 4.5 Pushta, had been fired upon by two unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle and wearing helmets. The assailants fled the scene after the incident,” police said in a statement.

Injured Manish Yadav was taken to AIIMS Dr Shusruta Trauma Centre in Civil Lines by his family members; however, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment, officials said.

Police said that the forensic teams have inspected the scene of the crime and collected evidence.

Accordingly, Sonia Vihar Police Station has registered FIR No. 249/26 U/s 103(1)/3(5) BNS and 25/27 of the Arms Act.

“Multiple teams have been deployed. There are substantial leads on suspected persons, and they will be arrested soon,” officials added.

Investigation is underway, and further details are awaited.

This comes close on the heels of another shooting incident in Delhi.

On October 5, the Farsh Bazar Police Station received a PCR call about some people entering a house in Bhikham Singh Colony and firing several rounds.

Upon reaching the spot, officials found Javed with bullet and knife injuries. His aunt was also injured in the incident. Both were taken to Hedgewar Hospital.

Javed is an accused in a 2025 murder case, and the attack on him was carried out to avenge the murder, according to the police.

The officials said that four juveniles have been apprehended in connection with the case.