New Delhi, June 27 -- Despite repeated arrests and crackdowns by security agencies, investigators have found that the recruitment pipeline linked to Pakistan-based gangster-turned-terror operative Shahzad Bhatti remains active, with western Uttar Pradesh emerging as a key hunting ground for fresh recruits.

According to sources familiar with the investigation, law enforcement agencies have arrested several operatives linked to the network over the past few months. Many others have been identified, questioned and placed under surveillance as part of preventive measures. Police have also reached out to families of vulnerable youths, counselling them and warning them about online radicalisation and recruitment attempts. However, investigator...