In a significant counter-terrorism operation, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 21-year-old engineering student, Ayan Shaikh, for his alleged connections to the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the banned Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
The arrest was made after coordinated raids conducted late on Monday, March 2, across multiple locations in Mumbai, including Kurla, Govandi, and Shivaji Nagar. The operation was conducted based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the dissemination of extremist propaganda.
Shaikh, a resident of Mumbai and a student at a college in Navi Mumbai, was apprehended after ATS officials discovered evidence of him sharing online propaganda material linked to the prohibited groups.
Maharashtra | Two days ago, the ATS arrested a student Ayan Shaikh, who had been active in Mumbai for the past six months as a 'sleeper cell' of the terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed. It is alleged that he was given the specific responsibility of radicalising youth and…
— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2026
Investigations revealed that he had been active as a “sleeper cell” for JeM in the city for the past six months, with a specific mandate to radicalise and recruit youth for terrorist activities.
Officials stated that Shaikh had successfully brainwashed two of his classmates and close friends, pressuring them to such an extent that they planned to travel abroad to engage in terror-related operations.
The ATS has recorded statements from these two students, which have been instrumental in building the case and preventing potential escalation.
During the raids, electronic devices belonging to Shaikh and the other students were seized and sent for forensic analysis. Examination of these devices uncovered Shaikh’s contacts with Pakistan-based sympathizers of JeM, along with videos of the outfit’s founder, Masood Azhar. The probe also revealed that Shaikh was allegedly receiving financial support through cryptocurrency channels from handlers based in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to carry out these activities
Ayan Shaikh is also accused of using encrypted platforms like Telegram to circulate terrorist material and attempt recruitment, including adding his friends to groups promoting JeM and ISIS propaganda. ATS recovered numerous chats suggesting attempts to promote radicalisation and recruit new members.
Shaikh was part of several messaging groups and Telegram channels in which several foreign nationals were included. It is believed that handlers of the terror groups were also members of such groups. Several Indians from various parts of the country were also part of these groups. Extremist propaganda was widely circulated in these messaging channels and groups.
As per the investigators, terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed planned to use Shaikh for potential terrorist activities in Mumbai. During the interrogation, Shaikh reportedly disclosed details of suspicious conversations with foreign handlers and individuals linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and ISIS.
While the two other engineering students are under investigation, authorities have clarified that they were not found to be directly involved in any terror activities at this stage.
Shaikh has been booked under stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), specifically Sections 38 (membership of a terrorist organization) and 39 (support to a terrorist organization), as well as Sections 152, 196, and 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
He is scheduled to appear before a special court in Mumbai on Friday, where the ATS is expected to seek further custody for interrogation.
JeM, designated as a terrorist group by the United Nations, has been responsible for major attacks in India, including the 2019 Pulwama bombing. On the other hand, ISIS continues to inspire lone-wolf and sleeper cell operations globally through its propaganda networks.
