Neeraj BaliChandigarh, Aug. 17 -- A nationwide security operation ahead of India's Independence Day uncovered what investigators believe was a Pakistan-linked network using local recruits for reconnaissance, logistics and attacks, with 253 people detained across 14 states.
The scale of the action has put Punjab at the centre of the investigation. Forty-four people were detained in the state, where agencies have been tracing alleged links between local suspects and Shahzad Bhatti, a Pakistan-based operative accused in several terror-related cases.
The operation was conducted on August 12, three days before Independence Day. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of detentions at 62, followed by Haryana with 52 and Delhi with 51, accordi...