ATS Detains 5 Youths From Mumbra, Padgha and Palghar Over Alleged Anti-India Posts
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has detained five youths from Mumbra and Padgha in Thane district, alongside Palghar district, for questioning regarding alleged anti-India and provocative social media posts, officials familiar with the investigation confirmed. The agency is currently investigating their online interactions, backgrounds, and previous activities to determine the scope of their involvement.
Investigators have seized mobile phones and other digital devices belonging to the five youths for detailed forensic examination. Preliminary inquiries revealed that the individuals were allegedly associated with a Telegram group formed in 2022. According to ATS officials, the Telegram channel was allegedly being operated by an individual based in Kashmir.
Among the specific communications flagged by ATS investigators was an alleged message stating, “Bharat mein iss samay rehna bahut khatra hai, isse achha Pakistan hai” (It is very dangerous to live in India at present; Pakistan is better than this). Authorities have flagged multiple other messages exchanged within the group as objectionable and provocative, bringing them under scanner.
Furthermore, officials noted that one of the five youths had already been questioned last month by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). That prior interrogation was conducted in connection with an ongoing radicalization investigation originating in Andhra Pradesh.
The five youths are currently being questioned separately by the ATS. Investigators are actively examining the conversations exchanged inside the group and working to identify other individuals associated with the Telegram platform. The agency is analyzing digital communication records to determine if their involvement was restricted to participating in discussions or if it included direct interactions with persons outside Maharashtra.
Officials emphasized that the investigation remains at a preliminary stage. The ATS is seeking to ascertain whether the social media posts were merely expressions of personal views or formed part of an organized effort to influence, provoke, or direct the youths. Full details regarding their roles and potential links to a larger network will be established once the digital forensic examinations and questioning are concluded.
