Mumbai, April 16 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has interrogated a NEET aspirant from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, concerning an alleged terror radicalisation network linked to Mumbai, as stated by officials on Thursday.

Officials revealed that several electronic devices were confiscated, and the individual has been requested to return for further questioning on April 22.

In a collaborative effort with the Uttar Pradesh ATS, Maharashtra ATS agents executed a search operation at a residence in Varanasi on Tuesday, where they questioned the 18-year-old aspirant for nearly eight hours related to a terror-associated radicalisation case registered in Mumbai.

The joint teams undertook the investigations at the residence of a physician in the Hanuman Phatak area, under the jurisdiction of the Adampur police station in Varanasi.

During the operation, officials probed the teen, the offspring of a local pediatrician, regarding his suspected connections to an online network currently under scrutiny.

According to officials, the youth is believed to have ties to a digital network purportedly associated with the proscribed Pakistan-based terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

The investigation into his activities commenced following the recent apprehension of Ayan Sheikh, a computer engineering student from Mumbai, who was charged under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Investigators noted that forensic analysis of devices retrieved from Ayan Sheikh indicated the presence of a broader network operating through encrypted communication platforms, leading to further inquiries that ultimately reached Varanasi.

Sources within the ATS indicated that the investigation is currently centered on a dubious digital trail linked to a Telegram group believed to engage in extremist activities.

Initial findings suggest that an account affiliated with the Varanasi-based teenager was part of this network.

The investigation has also uncovered that Ayan Sheikh, the doctor’s son, alongside several individuals from various states, was allegedly active on a Telegram channel named “Islamic Politics,” along with multiple WhatsApp groups where anti-government and anti-national content was reportedly disseminated.

Officials claimed that the Varanasi youth had been engaged on these platforms for several months, during which he is suspected of sharing objectionable images and videos, as well as participating in discussions aimed at undermining the sovereignty of the state.

Prior to the search operation, the Mumbai ATS had reportedly placed the teenager's mobile number under surveillance for several days to track his digital footprint and assess potential links, including suspected contacts based in Pakistan.

During the raid, officials discovered the house secured from the inside, prompting ATS teams to gain entry and conduct a comprehensive search of the premises. Investigators also gathered information related to the family’s background and financial records as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities confirmed the seizure of several electronic devices, including a laptop, three mobile phones, and a printer, which have been forwarded for forensic examination.

While the teenager has not been arrested thus far, officials noted he has been served a notice to appear before the Mumbai ATS on April 22 for further questioning as the investigation into the extensive network continues.