Nagpur: Intelligence agencies have flagged that Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti, allegedly backed by ISI, was being deliberately promoted on social media as the new proxy to counter jailed Indian don Lawrence Bishnoi‘s growing influence.Bhatti, who operates from Dubai, is named in several cases of terror in India and his extradition process is underway. Recently, Bhatti’s rivalry with Bishnoi spilled onto social media, with both sides trading threats. And Maharashtra’s Anti-Terrorism Squad’s statewide crackdown on Wednesday was to track those communicating with Bhatti. Raids were conducted at 57 places, including Bhandara and Chandrapur, and one suspect was picked up from Akola.Sources in the intelligence apparatus say the Bhatti-Bishnoi rivalry is triggering a sharp polarisation on social media. In Vidarbha’s Akola district, Bishnoi’s gang was led by his right-hand man, Shubham Lonkar, from Akot. And in the same district, Bhatti’s popularity is soaring in a section of society, say sources. Security agencies are now on high alert to dismantle the cross-border network.Intel sources warned the mix of gangster, glamour and anti-national messaging was making Bhatti particularly dangerous on digital platforms. “Bhatti is doing what Dawood did for ISI in India. He is recruiting followers, channelling subversive logistics and executing attacks,” said the official.Nagpur Cyber Cell is also learnt to be keeping an eagle eye on activities of Bhatti. Anybody liking, sharing or commenting on the gangster’s posts are under the scanner, said cyber DCP Deepak Aggarwal.According to intel reports, Bhatti’s fan-following in Instagram and other social media platforms was no accident. His content, often laced with provocative messaging, has been gaining traction. Agencies believe the ISI used this popularity to build sleeper modules and terror networks across the country.Investigators recovered chats, messages and other subversive content from various seized devices and documents suggesting Bhatti’s group was radicalising youth on social media, promising quick money and pushing anti-national agendas. Several suspects are being grilled for their alleged role in spreading his propaganda and recruiting youths for ISI-backed operations.“Our teams are using advanced tools like Garud Drishti to track subversive activities. Anyone found promoting Bhatti’s network will face strict legal action,” said DCP Aggarwal.
