A raid by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad in Mumbai has exposed an online terrorist network in the state. The operation led to the arrest of engineering student Ayan Shaikh for suspected ties with Jaish-e-Mohammed and ISIS. Shaikh, living in Mumbai for six months, allegedly worked as a sleeper operative for Jaish-e-Mohammed, tasked with radicalizing and recruiting individuals.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Shaikh influenced friends to join the terror outfit, with two friends planning to engage in terrorist activities abroad. Financial support for Shaikh’s activities allegedly came from handlers in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, transferred through cryptocurrency channels. The ATS is scrutinizing Shaikh’s financial records to determine the extent of funding he received.
Authorities discovered that Shaikh was in possession of audio and video recordings of Jaish-e-Mohammed leaders on his mobile phone. He was active on encrypted platforms like Telegram, sharing extremist content and attempting to recruit members. While Shaikh tried to radicalize friends through online platforms, they were not directly involved in terrorism.
During interrogation, Shaikh disclosed suspicious conversations with foreign handlers linked to banned terrorist organizations. Encrypted messaging groups he participated in included foreign nationals associated with sleeper networks. The investigation revealed members from various Indian states in these groups, engaging in discussions on radicalization and recruitment.
The ATS has shared these findings with security and intelligence agencies nationwide, with the investigation ongoing and more revelations anticipated in the near future.
