The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad have said that they have arrested a 21-year-old engineering student from Mumbai after he was found allegedly sharing propaganda material connected to two banned terrorist organisations, Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Islamic State. The student, Ayan Sheikh, was picked up following simultaneous raids at several locations in the city late on Monday night. He is set to appear before a special court in Mumbai on Friday.
Two other young men, both engineering students and close friends of Sheikh, have also come under investigation, though authorities said they were not found to be directly involved in any terror-related activity.
Raids Carried Out Across Three Mumbai Localities
The ATS said it had received specific intelligence about the circulation of extremist propaganda connected to JeM and ISIS through online platforms. Based on this, search operations were carried out at premises in Kurla, Govandi and Shivaji Nagar. A laptop and mobile phones belonging to Sheikh were seized on the spot and dispatched for forensic examination, they said.
Authorities registered a case against him under Sections 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act as well as Sections 152, 196 and 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Chats, Audio Clips and a Digital Roadmap Found on Seized Devices
Investigators said they found multiple audio and video clips allegedly linked to JeM chief Masood Azhar when they examined the seized devices. They described the overall digital evidence as a roadmap reflecting prolonged and deep engagement with extremist material.
“Sheikh was active on encrypted messaging platforms and Telegram channels where extremist content was circulated. Multiple chats were also recovered, suggesting attempts to promote terrorist recruitment. He allegedly shared extremist material, attempted to recruit individuals and may have been involved in facilitating funding for extremist activities,” an ATS official said.
“Foreign Handlers and Suspected Sleeper Cells Under the Scanner“
When questioned at length, Sheikh allegedly revealed details of communications with “foreign handlers and people linked to banned terror groups”. These exchanges reportedly took place on encrypted platforms and involved foreign nationals believed to be connected to sleeper cells and recruitment operations.
Officials said a number of young people from various states across India were found to be members of these closed groups, where extremist content, radicalisation guidance and recruitment instructions were regularly exchanged.
Two Friends Added to Propaganda Groups, Say Police
The ATS alleged that Sheikh had tried to expose two of his close friends to radical content by adding them to Telegram groups carrying JeM and ISIS propaganda. Raids at their addresses in Govandi and Kurla confirmed that the two had accessed material shared by Sheikh. However, investigators clarified that the two were not active participants in any terror-related work and their statements have been recorded as part of the ongoing investigation.
“Nationwide Network Being Mapped, More Arrests Possible“
The ATS said it is now working to map the full digital network involved in spreading extremist content, trace links to possible local sleeper cells, and identify other individuals who may have been targeted for radicalisation. Evidence and communication records have been shared with agencies in several other states to support a coordinated nationwide probe.
Sheikh’s financial transactions are also being examined to trace any funding or logistical support that may have been used for extremist purposes. Officials made clear that further arrests in the case are possible as the investigation continues to develop.
