MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Sunday morning launched a massive search operation across nearly 21 locations following specific intelligence inputs about extremist activities.
The searches were carried out in Yavatmal and Ahilyanagar districts. Acting on intelligence regarding extremist elements, ATS teams began raids early Sunday at around 21 sites. Of these, 14 locations were in the Pusad and Umarkhed areas of Yavatmal, while seven others were in Ahilyanagar, as part of an ongoing investigative sweep.
In January, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested Idhu Islam, a close aide of Chhangur Baba, from Nagpur in connection with a probe into an alleged religious conversion racket operating in the state.
The arrest was made by a joint team of local police, Maharashtra ATS and UP ATS. According to a statement, Idhu Islam played a crucial role in handling funds and logistics for the alleged conversion network.
In October last year, in a significant development in the Pune ISIS module case, the Maharashtra ATS, along with Pune police, conducted widespread searches in various parts of the city.
A press statement issued by Maharashtra ATS said, "In connection with the investigation of the accused arrested in C.R. no. 7/2023 of ATS, the anti-terrorism squad (ATS), Maharashtra state, Mumbai, on 09/10/2025, conducted searches and inquiries at the houses and offices of 19 suspected individuals in the areas of Kondhwa, Khadak, Khadki, Wanwadi, and Bhosari."
The case is linked to the arrest of several individuals allegedly associated with a sleeper ISIS module operating in Maharashtra. The accused were reportedly involved in radicalisation, recruitment and fabrication of explosive devices as part of a larger terror conspiracy.
During the operation, teams from ATS Mumbai and Pune police carried out simultaneous searches to seize digital evidence, documents and communication devices suspected to be connected to the network. A few suspects were detained for questioning, though there has been no official confirmation so far regarding any fresh arrests or seizures.
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