With reference to the investigation into the Pakistani influencer Shahzad Bhatti, consider the following statements: 1. The influencer was linked to investigations across 14 Indian States. 2. Followers were charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). 3. The subversive tasks involved installing CCTVs near critical installations for live-streaming into China. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The digital recruiter

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Terrorism & insurgency (J&K, North-East)· Prelims + Mains· 20 September 2026

Digital radicalization and cross-border coordination: a GS3 Internal Security and Cyber Security case study.

Why in news

A Pakistani social-media influencer, Shahzad Bhatti, has been linked to terror-related investigations across 14 Indian States for mobilizing followers to perform subversive tasks.

Background

Shahzad Bhatti is a Pakistani influencer whose activities led to arrests in 14 Indian States. Followers were charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for tasks including installing CCTVs near critical installations and making extortion calls.

Facts for Prelims

Act / BillUAPA: Unlawful Activities Prevention Act is the primary anti-terror law used for these arrests
FactThe influencer's activities were linked to investigations in 14 Indian States
FactTasks included installing CCTVs near critical installations for live-streaming into Pakistan

Prelims practice question

With reference to the investigation into the Pakistani influencer Shahzad Bhatti, consider the following statements:

The influencer was linked to investigations across 14 Indian States.
Followers were charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
The subversive tasks involved installing CCTVs near critical installations for live-streaming into China.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)2 only
(b)1 and 2 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Show answer

Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: The note states live-streaming was into Pakistan.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the challenges posed by social media as a tool for radicalization and cross-border coordination by non-state actors in the contemporary security landscape.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Digital radicalization: Rapid mobilization of youth through influencer-led narratives and social media platforms
Surveillance challenges: Difficulty in monitoring real-time live-streaming of critical infrastructure to foreign entities
Legal enforcement: Balancing the use of stringent laws like UAPA against the complexities of digital evidence

Keywords: radicalization · cross-border terrorism · digital footprint · critical infrastructure · UAPA · non-state actors

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note Source: The Hindu ↗

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