ATS questions 66 persons in Pune district on suspicion of radicalisation attempt by Pak-based gangster

Pune, Jul 14 (PTI) The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Tuesday questioned 66 persons from Pune district who were allegedly found to have been in contact with Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and his associates, officials said. It was suspected that Bhatti was using social media platforms to radicalise Indian youths and induce them to take part in anti-national activities, the ATS said in a statement. The operation began at 7 am and was carried out with the assistance of the Pune city police, Pune rural police and Pimpri Chinchwad police, it said. Bhatti, along with his associates Abid Jatt alias Abid Chhal, Ajmal Gujar, Hammad Memon, Rana Hunain and Ashraf Bashir Alam, allegedly used social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Telegram and WhatsApp to establish contact with Indian youths, according to the ATS. The group tried to exploit religious and socially sensitive issues to spread propaganda and influence them. It also tried to lure unemployed youth or those from economically weaker sections with financial incentives to draw them into anti-national and anti-social activities. The network sought to create sleeper cells or local agents for collecting sensitive information, drug trafficking and illegal transportation of arms, the ATS said. In an advisory, the ATS appealed to the people, particularly youngsters, to avoid interacting with unknown or suspicious persons on social media and refrain from falling prey to offers of easy money or illegal work. It also urged parents to closely monitor their children's social media activities and internet usage and immediately report any sudden behavioural changes or suspicious activities to the authorities. The agency further advised citizens not to believe or forward content on social media that could undermine the country's integrity or disturb law and order. PTI SPK KRK