ISI-Sponsored Bhatti Syndicate Emerges As Major Threat Ahead Of I-DayNagpur: Intelligence and security agencies have placed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Mahal, Hedgewar Smruti Mandir in Reshimbagh, and several other sensitive locations in the city under close surveillance following inputs about heightened activity by Pakistan’s ISI-backed terror networks, including Shahzad Bhatti syndicate, in the run-up to Independence Day.Senior police officials, including joint commissioner of police Navinchandra Reddy and deputy commissioner of police (special branch) Ramesh Dhumal, visited the RSS headquarters and Hedgewar Bhavan to assess existing security arrangements and review intelligence deployment.According to officials, the nationwide alert issued by central agencies has identified the RSS headquarters as a potential target for anti-India and terror-linked organisations.Acting on the directives of commissioner of police Vishwas Nangre Patil, city police have stepped up combing operations and intensified surveillance of suspected individuals and locations. Hotels, lodges, resorts and guest houses have been thoroughly checked, while overnight combing operations were carried out across the city after midnight on Thursday.“Sensitive locations have been brought under continuous surveillance with additional police deployment, fixed-point pickets and round-the-clock monitoring to ensure that no law-and-order or communal incident disrupts Independence Day celebrations,” a senior police officer said.Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads (BDDS) have been deployed at all identified sensitive sites. Anti-sabotage checks have also commenced at venues scheduled to host flag-hoisting ceremonies and Independence Day parades. Security personnel are conducting extensive searches of event venues and access routes to eliminate any possibility of sabotage.Official sources indicated that while threats from Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Taiba and other ISI-backed outfits have remained a constant concern, this year Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti’s social media syndicate has also been placed under the radar of security and intelligence agencies.The network’s reported links and potential operational reach have contributed to the elevated threat assessment across the country, with particular attention focused on Nagpur in view of the symbolic importance of the RSS headquarters.Police have strengthened coordination between the city force, special branch units and central agencies to maintain a layered security grid. Additional manpower has been positioned at key junctions and approaches leading to the protected locations.Citizens have been advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or control room.Authorities emphasised that the measures are purely preventive and aimed at ensuring peaceful and secure Independence Day observances.
