Muslim youth face heavy scrutiny in preventive action, devices seized amid claims of radicalisation via encrypted online groups
NEW DELHI – In a late-night operation that stretched into Tuesday morning, Maharashtra’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) carried out searches at three homes in Mumbai’s Kurla, Shivaji Nagar, and Govandi areas. The raids focused on three young engineering students, aged between 18 and 23, suspected of sharing and engaging with online propaganda from banned groups Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Islamic State (ISIS). Officials say the action came after specific intelligence about their activity on encrypted platforms like Telegram.
The three students—all pursuing engineering degrees, with two in their final year and one younger—are described as close friends. Investigators claim they were active in closed messaging groups where content linked to JeM chief Masood Azhar, including old speeches, audio clips, videos, and written posts, was shared. Similar material tied to ISIS, such as translated magazine parts, audio messages, videos praising past attacks, and digital posters promoting extreme views, was also allegedly circulated. Police say the content included inflammatory statements, praise for jihadist ideas, and criticism of security forces, meant to influence members emotionally and ideologically.
One key suspect, identified in reports as 21-year-old Ayan Sheikh, was arrested following the raids. Devices like mobile phones, laptops, routers, and modems were taken from the homes for forensic checks. Officials allege Sheikh tried to draw his two friends into these groups by exposing them to the material. “He was active on encrypted messaging platforms and Telegram channels where extremist content was circulated,” an ATS official said. Multiple chats were recovered, suggesting efforts to promote such views, though no direct terror acts are mentioned.
The ATS describes the case as part of a bigger effort against online radicalisation. They say the group followed a pattern: starting with emotional videos to create feelings of victimhood and grievance, then moving to motivational messages calling past attackers “martyrs,” and later detailed talks justifying violence. Members were encouraged to react, discuss, and spread the content, building a tight online circle of like-minded people. Over time, this exposure could turn passive viewers into active spreaders of extreme ideas, according to investigators.
A community member close to one of the families spoke about the shock. “These are just young boys studying hard for their future. Suddenly, their homes are raided at night, devices taken away. It feels like they are being targeted because they are Muslim and maybe looked at some wrong things online,” the person said, asking not to be named out of fear. Many in Mumbai’s Muslim areas worry this is another example of heavy-handed action that scares families and ruins young lives over online activity, without clear proof of real threats.
The raids happened in areas with large Muslim populations, adding to the unease. Locals point out that while online extremism is a serious issue, such operations often hit Muslim youth harder, even when similar content circulates widely. “Why only these boys? Many people see all kinds of things online, but raids come to Muslim homes,” said another resident from Govandi. They fear the arrests and seizures could lead to long legal battles under strict laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), where bail is tough.
ATS sources stress this was intelligence-led and preventive. The operation ties back to earlier probes into anti-national online content in Mumbai suburbs. Surveillance increased after tips about a possible self-radicalised group in these areas. No arrests were reported for the other two students initially, but they remain under watch, with questioning ongoing to see how deep their involvement was.
Human rights voices have raised concerns in similar past cases, saying young people can get pulled into bad online spaces out of curiosity or anger at world events, but heavy state response risks pushing them further away. “These students need guidance, not just raids and jail threats,” said a local activist familiar with youth issues. “Muslim boys are often labelled fast in such matters.”
As forensic exams continue on the seized devices, the ATS says more details may come out about chats, foreign contacts, or any handlers in the groups. For now, the three young men and their families face uncertainty. One parent told reporters quietly, “My son was just studying engineering. Now everything is upside down. We pray for fair treatment and truth to come out soon.”
This incident highlights growing worries among Indian Muslims about online monitoring and how quickly suspicions turn into major actions. In Maharashtra, with its mix of communities, such cases add tension at a time when trust in agencies is already low for many. The community hopes the probe stays fair and does not harm innocent futures.
