The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) apprehended Ayan Sheikh, a 21-year-old engineering student, over suspected ties to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and ISIS. Sheikh faces charges under the UAPA and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for sharing terrorist propaganda online.
Following intelligence leads on online radicalization related to banned terror groups, the ATS conducted searches in Mumbai. Electronic devices were seized during the raids, revealing alleged connections to extremist content and banned organizations.
Sheikh, under scrutiny for circulating extremist material on social media and encrypted platforms, is suspected of promoting terrorist recruitment and radicalization. He is also believed to have tried to radicalize two fellow engineering students.
Officials disclosed that Sheikh engaged in suspicious conversations with foreign entities through encrypted platforms. Digital evidence indicates the involvement of youth from various Indian states in extremist content exchange.
The ATS plans to present Sheikh before a Mumbai court for further interrogation. The investigation continues, with the possibility of additional arrests looming.
