The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified its action against Pakistan-based terror operative and social media influencer Shehzad Bhatti in connection with the grenade attack case at the residence of Jalandhar-based influencer Navdeep Singh alias Roger Sandhu.
A special NIA court in Mohali has reportedly issued an open-ended Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) against Bhatti after observing that he has been continuously absconding. The court noted that, considering the seriousness of the alleged offences, his presence cannot be secured through regular summons or bailable warrants.
According to NIA inputs, Shehzad Bhatti is currently believed to be hiding in Brazil and allegedly operating anti-India activities from there. With the NBW now issued, investigating agencies may move towards further international legal action, including seeking an Interpol Red Corner Notice and initiating extradition proceedings.
From an online dispute to a grenade attack
The case dates back to March 16, 2025, when a suspicious metallic object was found on the balcony of Navdeep Singh alias Roger Sandhu’s house in Jalandhar’s Maqsudan area. During investigation, the object was identified as a hand grenade.
Initially, the Punjab Police investigated the matter and later uncovered links pointing towards an alleged cross-border conspiracy. According to the investigation, Shehzad Bhatti, who was based in Pakistan, had allegedly pressured Sandhu through social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, over online interactions and gifting-related disputes.
Investigators alleged that after Sandhu refused to comply with his demands, Bhatti allegedly used his network in India to execute the grenade attack.
WhatsApp group allegedly used to coordinate the plot
During the probe, NIA claimed that Bhatti was operating a WhatsApp group through a Pakistani mobile number, which had several Indian contacts linked to it.
The agency alleged that the group was used to communicate with associates, coordinate activities and plan the attack. Investigators are also examining the role of people allegedly connected to this network.
NIA takes over investigation
Following directions from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the NIA registered a fresh case and took over the investigation. Before this, Punjab Police had arrested several accused persons and filed chargesheets in the matter.
During its probe, NIA filed a supplementary chargesheet naming Shehzad Bhatti and Deepender Pratap Singh alias Deepan Rana as accused. The agency also alleged that Bhatti had sent Indian associate Hardik Kamboj to Jalandhar, while a network involving foreign-based operatives was being used for recruitment and logistical support.
What happens after the NBW?
The NBW is considered a major step in the investigation, as it strengthens the legal process to bring an absconding accused before the court. Based on this warrant, agencies can explore international options, including Interpol assistance and extradition procedures.
NIA has also highlighted Bhatti’s alleged involvement in multiple cases related to terrorism, criminal conspiracy and unlawful activities. The agency believes that the case is not limited to a personal dispute but is linked to a broader investigation into foreign-based gangster-terror networks.
With the latest court order, the focus now shifts to international cooperation and efforts to trace and bring Shehzad Bhatti back to India for further legal proceedings.