ATS raids several places in Maharashtra, questions suspects linked to Pakistan-based gangster

At least 47 suspects were being questioned following the operation, an official said.

Mumbai: In a major swoop, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Maharashtra police carried out raids across the state to flush out people linked with Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti.

At least 47 suspects were being questioned following the operation involving simultaneous raids at multiple locations.

The raids started at 8 am and are still continuing.

The ATS had specific information about suspicious activities of some persons, who were allegedly in touch with gangster Shahzad Bhatti and his syndicate, ATS officials said.

“Bhatti, who operated his gang from abroad, was allegedly trying to influence youth in India for unlawful activities,” ATS officials said.

The raids were being conducted since early hours in Mumbai, Akola, Nanded, Pune, Mira Road in Thane, Nalasopara in Palghar, Nashik, Jalgaon, and Nagpur.

It may be recalled that the Delhi Police flagged Bhatti's growing network in India.

Bhatti, a Lahore-based gangster, has been operating out of Dubai over past few years.