Maharashtra ATS arrests 21-year-old engineering student over alleged links to JeM and ISIS after raids in parts of state

According to the officials, Sheikh allegedly shared extremist propaganda material online, while two other individuals are also being examined as part of the probe.

Acting on intelligence inputs about suspected online radicalisation linked to banned organisations, ATS teams conducted searches at several locations in the city.

Late-night operations were carried out in Kurla, Govandi, and Shivaji Nagar. During the raids, officials seized electronic devices including a laptop and a mobile phone.

The devices have been sent for forensic examination. Investigators reported recovering what they described as a “digital roadmap” suggesting prolonged engagement with extremist content and alleged connections with banned organisations, the news agency reported.

Under surveillance

Officials said Sheikh had come under surveillance for allegedly circulating extremist propaganda through social media and encrypted messaging applications.

Preliminary analysis of the seized devices reportedly revealed multiple audio and video clips linked to Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Investigators also found that Sheikh was active on the messaging platform Telegram, where extremist material was allegedly shared in closed groups. Chat records are said to indicate attempts to promote radicalisation and recruitment, as per the IANS.

Attempts to influence and recruit youth

According to officials, Sheikh allegedly tried to radicalise two other young men who were engineering students and his close associates.

He is said to have added them to Telegram groups where propaganda linked to JeM and ISIS was circulated. However, during searches conducted in Govandi and Kurla, investigators found that the two individuals had accessed the content but were not actively involved in any terror-related activities, reported the IANS.

Their statements have been recorded as part of the ongoing investigation.

Suspicious contacts with foreign handlers

During interrogation, Sheikh allegedly disclosed details of conversations with suspected foreign handlers and individuals linked to banned organisations.

Officials said the communications took place through encrypted platforms and involved several foreign nationals and alleged facilitators believed to be connected to recruitment networks and sleeper cells.

Digital evidence also indicated that multiple users from different Indian states were part of such encrypted groups exchanging extremist content and radicalisation material.

Wider investigation underway

Authorities are now analysing digital footprints to map influence networks, identify individuals vulnerable to radicalisation and trace potential operational links to local sleeper cells.

Key digital evidence and communication records have been shared with agencies in other states to support coordinated investigations and prevent further recruitment efforts, the news agency reported.

Investigators are also examining Sheikh’s financial transactions and digital trail to determine whether any funding channels were used to support extremist activities.

Sheikh is scheduled to be produced before a special court in Mumbai on Friday, where the ATS is expected to seek police custody for further interrogation.

Officials have indicated that additional arrests in connection with the case cannot be ruled out as the investigation continues.

(with IANS inputs)

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