The Maharashtra government has ordered the seizure of 114 publications and digital materials linked to terrorist organisations, including the Islamic State (IS), Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP), Hizb-ul-Mujahideen’s Pir Panjal Regiment and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).
The action covers books, magazines, articles, pamphlets, photographs, drawings, social media posts, audio and video files and other forms of jihadist literature. The government said the material was being used to spread violent extremism, jihadist ideology and radicalisation, particularly among young people.
The order was issued by the Maharashtra Home Department on 6th August under Section 98(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Under this provision, copies of the material listed in the notification are forfeited to the government.
ATS investigation led to government action
The move followed a communication sent by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) to the state government on 17th March. The ATS had asked the government to take action against printed and digital material that it said was connected with activities affecting India’s sovereignty, integrity and security.
Investigations, intelligence inputs and cyber surveillance found that the material was being circulated through physical copies as well as websites, social media platforms, encrypted channels and other digital networks.
The government said the content could encourage radicalisation, help terrorist organisations with recruitment and promote violent activities. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the main concern was radicalisation and that some of the material also contained information on making bombs and carrying out violence.
Fadnavis said the state would have to keep a close watch on such activities and that there could be no compromise on national security. He also said that the BNSS, 2023 has provided the state government with a legal provision to act against such publications.
‘Voice of Khurasan’ among the seized material
A large part of the 114-item list is connected with Islamic State, ISIS and ISKP propaganda.
The list includes 47 issues of Voice of Khurasan, covering Issues 1 to 26, 28 to 34, 36 to 38 and 40 to 47.
Other material includes audio and video programmes described as “Tawheed Lectures” broadcast through Al-Bayan Radio. Pamphlets such as “Are You Still Sitting?”, “Why Should You Join the Islamic State” and “Nida e Khurasan” are also included in the order.
These materials form part of the jihadist literature that the government said was being used to spread extremist ideology and encourage people towards terrorist organisations.
Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and AQIS material also included
The forfeiture order also covers publications linked to Hizb-ul-Mujahideen’s Pir Panjal Regiment.
These include 17 editions of The Revolutionary Resurgence, with issues published between October 2023 and December 2025.
Material linked to Al-Qaeda and AQIS is also part of the list. It includes 10 issues of Kashmir Kifah – Resilience & Courage, seven issues of The Soul Of Resistance and 13 issues of Nawai Gazwa e Hind, published between January 2024 and January 2026.
The government said the publications promoted jihadist ideology and could encourage violent activities and recruitment.
Manuals on explosives and operational security
The notification also includes several instructional manuals dealing with weapons, explosives and operational methods.
These include material relating to the making of explosives, petrol bombs and hydrogen peroxide-based chemical explosives. Manuals dealing with anonymity, security and intelligence practices and ways of hiding operational activity and identity are also included.
The government said restricting access to such material was necessary to prevent its circulation through physical, electronic and social media networks.
Police can seize the material across India
The forfeiture order allows police to seize copies of the listed publications and digital material wherever they are found in India.
A magistrate can also issue a warrant allowing a police officer of at least the rank of Sub-Inspector to enter and search premises where the material is believed to be kept.
The notification refers to provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 152, 196, 197 and 299, in connection with the material.
The Maharashtra government said the action was aimed at stopping the spread of violent extremist propaganda, jihadist literature and content that could contribute to radicalisation, recruitment and activities affecting India’s sovereignty, integrity and public order.
The decision comes after years of changes in the legal framework governing the seizure of publications and other material considered a threat to national security.
