Chargesheet filed: The NIA named eight accused, including Pakistani national Shehzad Bhatti, in the Ambala police station IED blast case.

Alleged mastermind: Bhatti allegedly set up modules in India, tasked operatives with logistics, and chose the target after reconnaissance.

Wider network: The case connects to ATS and Delhi Police investigations into Bhatti’s suspected recruitment and cross-border coordination.

NIA details Ambala blast conspiracy

The NIA chargesheet filed in Panchkula names Shehzad Bhatti and seven Indian nationals for the January IED car blast in Baldev Nagar police station’s parking area. According to the agency, Bhatti orchestrated the attack from Pakistan, directing operatives via encrypted channels to procure explosives and conduct reconnaissance. The accused allegedly parked a vehicle loaded with gas cylinders and explosives inside the premises, recording videos for propaganda purposes. (The Times of India)

Bhatti’s operational methods and recruitment

Investigators allege Bhatti established operational modules in India, with Akash as his primary local coordinator, to target police establishments. Recruitment and radicalisation reportedly took place through social media, exploiting encrypted platforms to maintain secrecy. Digital, forensic, and documentary evidence suggest sustained contact between the accused and Bhatti during planning and execution. Zee News .

Parallel ATS crackdown in Maharashtra

The Maharashtra ATS has questioned over 100 individuals statewide for suspected social media links with Bhatti, following Delhi Police’s dismantling of two alleged modules accused of plotting petrol bomb attacks in Delhi. Raids covered more than 150 locations, with investigators examining possible attempts to form sleeper cells, traffic arms, and radicalise vulnerable youth. No arrests have been announced in Maharashtra so far, but digital evidence is under review. The Statesman + 4

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has initiated an inquiry from 7:00 a.m. on 10/07/2026 into individuals who had come in contact with Pakistani gangster Shahzad Bhatti. In this connection, the ATS, through its 14 units across Maharashtra, has identified a total of 112 persons. These individuals are being traced, their whereabouts are being verified, and they are being questioned. The action is being taken on suspicion that Shahzad Bhatti was using social media to influence and motivate youths to engage in anti-national activities.

Maharashtra ATS

Cross-border and multi-agency links under probe

The Ambala blast case and Maharashtra ATS operations point to an alleged network spanning recruitment, logistics, and planned attacks involving individuals in India and Pakistan. Agencies say Bhatti, operating from Pakistan, used social media and encrypted platforms to maintain contact with operatives and allegedly instructed on reconnaissance and delivery of explosive materials. The continuing investigations are examining connections between modules uncovered in different states and the role of multiple Pakistan-based associates.