Mohali: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified its action against Pakistan-based terrorist and social media personality Shahzad Bhatti, with a special NIA court in Mohali issuing an open-ended non-bailable warrant (NBW) against him in connection with the grenade attack on the residence of Jalandhar-based influencer Navdeep Singh, popularly known as Roger Sandhu.
The court observed that Bhatti has deliberately remained out of the reach of investigating agencies and that the seriousness of the allegations makes it impractical to secure his presence through ordinary legal notices or bailable warrants. Consequently, the court authorized the issuance of a non-bailable warrant that will remain valid until his arrest.
According to the NIA, intelligence inputs indicate that Bhatti is currently residing in Brazil, where he is allegedly involved in coordinating activities linked to anti-India terror networks. Investigators believe he has been operating from overseas while maintaining links with individuals involved in the grenade attack case.
Legal experts say the issuance of the NBW is a significant procedural step, enabling Indian authorities to initiate the process of obtaining an Interpol Red Corner Notice. Once issued, it would strengthen efforts to trace Bhatti internationally and seek his extradition to India through diplomatic and legal channels.
The case relates to the grenade attack targeting the residence of influencer Roger Sandhu in Jalandhar, which is being investigated by the NIA as part of a broader probe into cross-border terror activities and their alleged links to Pakistan-based operatives.
Officials noted that open-ended non-bailable warrants are generally issued in cases where an accused is believed to be intentionally evading arrest outside the country. Similar legal action has been taken in the past against internationally wanted terror suspects, including Maulana Masood Azhar.
The investigation into the grenade attack and the wider terror network remains underway, with the NIA continuing to examine the role of foreign-based handlers and their associates.
