Mumbai, March 6 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) conducted a significant raid in Mumbai aimed at dismantling an online network involved in terrorist activities across the state. This operation led to the apprehension of engineering student Ayan Shaikh, who is suspected of having ties with the Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the Islamic State (ISIS).

Initial investigations by the ATS indicated that Shaikh had been residing in Mumbai for approximately six months, allegedly functioning as a sleeper agent for Jaish-e-Mohammed.

The organization purportedly tasked him with the radicalization and recruitment of young men. Reports suggest that he attempted to indoctrinate two fellow students and several close friends to join the group.

Investigators revealed that Shaikh had such an influence over two of his friends that they began planning to leave India to engage in terrorist activities.

As part of the ongoing investigation, the ATS has documented the statements of these students. Officials disclosed that Shaikh was allegedly receiving financial backing from handlers located in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to facilitate his activities.

Funds were reportedly transferred through cryptocurrency channels. Authorities are currently scrutinizing his financial records and bank accounts to ascertain the total amount of money involved.

Furthermore, investigators indicated that Jaish-e-Mohammed had plans to utilize Shaikh for potential terrorist operations in Mumbai. In light of these findings, the Mumbai Crime Branch has been alerted and has commenced questioning various individuals connected to this network.

According to ATS officials, several audio and video recordings belonging to JeM leaders, including Azhar Masood and Mohammad Hafiz, were recovered from Shaikh’s mobile device. The suspect was reportedly active on encrypted messaging applications, such as Telegram, where extremist propaganda was disseminated. Numerous chats suggesting efforts to promote radicalization and recruit new members were also found.

During the investigation, authorities discovered that Shaikh had shared extremist materials and attempted to recruit others through online platforms. He allegedly tried to influence two close friends by adding them to Telegram groups that circulated propaganda related to JeM and ISIS. However, the ATS clarified that while the two young men accessed some of the material shared by Shaikh, they were not engaged in any terror-related activities.

During interrogation, Shaikh allegedly revealed details of questionable conversations with foreign handlers and individuals believed to be associated with banned terrorist organizations, including JeM and ISIS.

The messaging groups and Telegram channels where Shaikh was active reportedly included multiple foreign nationals and facilitators thought to be part of sleeper networks and recruitment modules linked to these groups.

Investigators also noted that several individuals from various states in India were members of these groups, where extremist content was routinely shared and discussions about radicalization and recruitment were conducted.

The ATS has communicated these findings to other security and intelligence agencies nationwide. Officials stated that the investigation is ongoing, and further revelations are anticipated in the days ahead.