Mohali: The special NIA court in Mohali has issued an open-ended non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Pakistan-based terror suspect and social media influencer Shahzad Bhatti, who is believed to be hiding in Brazil, in connection with a grenade attack on the residence of Jalandhar-based YouTuber. The warrant strengthens the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) efforts to seek an Interpol ‘red corner notice’ against Bhatti and initiate extradition proceedings if his presence in Brazil is established.The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had sought the warrant after informing the court that Bhatti has been continuously absconding and was deliberately evading the legal process. Accepting the agency’s plea, the court observed that considering the gravity of the allegations, securing his appearance through summons or bailable warrants was not feasible. The warrant will remain valid until Bhatti is arrested.Legal experts said the issuance of the open-ended NBW paves the way for the NIA to seek an Interpol ‘red corner notice’ against Bhatti and initiate extradition proceedings if the host country cooperates. Similar warrants have earlier been issued against several Pakistan-based terror accused, including Maulana Masood Azhar.The case dates to March 16, 2025, when a suspicious metallic object was found in the balcony of YouTuber Navdeep Singh alias Roger Sandhu’s residence in Maqsudan, Jalandhar. Investigation confirmed it to be a live hand grenade. Punjab Police initially investigated the case before it was transferred to NIA.According to investigators, Bhatti allegedly pressured Sandhu to pay money generated through live streaming, online gifting and social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. When Sandhu allegedly refused to comply, Bhatti is accused of orchestrating a grenade attack through operatives based in India.Attack conspiracy planned through WhatsApp networkNIA investigation revealed that Bhatti allegedly operated a WhatsApp group using a Pakistani mobile number, with multiple Indian phone numbers added to the group. The agency claims the platform was used to recruit operatives, coordinate logistics, issue instructions and execute the conspiracy. Investigators alleged that Bhatti directed and controlled Indian operatives from abroad with the objective of spreading terror, threatening public safety, and carrying out acts intended to destabilise law and order.Multiple criminal cases in PunjabNIA also placed before the court records submitted by the Punjab Police, stating that 15 criminal cases involving terrorism, criminal conspiracy and other unlawful activities had been registered against Bhatti in various police stations across Punjab. The agency believes Bhatti is part of a larger cross-border gangster-terror network that uses foreign soil to direct criminal and terrorist activities in India. Why the warrant mattersOpen-ended NBW remains valid until Bhatti is arrestedEnables the NIA to seek an Interpol red corner noticeClears the way for extradition proceedings if Brazil confirms Bhatti’s presence and cooperatesCase relates to the Mar 2025 grenade attack on YouTuber Roger Sandhu’s residence in Jalandhar
