NIA Detains Suspect in Panvel Raids Over ISIS and AQIS Terror Radicalisation Case
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at multiple locations in Panvel, Navi Mumbai, on Wednesday, detaining one suspect in connection with an alleged online terror radicalisation and conspiracy case linked to ISIS and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).
The operation, carried out with the assistance of the local police, also led to the seizure of digital devices and other materials for forensic analysis. Law enforcement officials are actively searching for another suspect from Panvel who is currently absconding.
While the central agency did not officially announce any arrest, sources confirmed that one person was detained for questioning during the searches. Officials are currently examining the detained individual's specific role in the alleged conspiracy.
The case was initially investigated by the Andhra Pradesh Police, who arrested 12 individuals a few months ago for their alleged links to the banned terrorist organisations. During interrogation, one of the arrested accused revealed links to Panvel and disclosed the names of two local residents allegedly associated with the network.
Following these disclosures, the central agency took over the case. Acting on the leads, NIA officials and local police teams targeted multiple premises in Panvel on Wednesday to disrupt the local network.
According to investigators, the alleged module was led by key accused Mohammad Rahmatullah Sharif, Mohammad Danish, and Mirza Sohail. The group is suspected of radicalising vulnerable youth through encrypted social media platforms.
The accused allegedly created and operated closed online groups, including one named "Al Malik Youth Islamic Committee" (AMYIC), to circulate extremist propaganda, recruit sympathisers, and encourage support for ISIS and AQIS.
The ongoing probe has uncovered an alleged inter-state network spanning Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Delhi, Karnataka, West Bengal, Bihar, and Rajasthan. The NIA believes the accused used encrypted messaging applications to disseminate radical content and coordinate activities across these states.
