The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Sunday morning launched a massive search operation at nearly 21 different locations based on specific information regarding extremist activities.
Maharashtra ATS has launched a massive search in Yavatmal and Ahilyanagar districts. Acting on specific intelligence related to extremist elements, the ATS has been conducting raids at around 21 different locations since Sunday morning.
The operations include searches at 14 locations in Pusad and Umarkhed Yavatmal areas, along with seven other locations in Ahilyanagar, while the team continues its investigation.
In January, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested Idha Islam, a close associate of Chhangur Baba, from Nagpur in connection with investigations into an alleged religious conversion scam operating in the state.
The operation was conducted by a joint team of local police and Maharashtra ATS and UP ATS. According to the statement, Idhu Islam played a key role in managing the funds and logistics for the conversion network.
In October last year, as part of the ongoing investigation into the ISIS module case in Pune, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) along with the Pune police conducted extensive searches in several parts of the city.
According to a press statement issued by the Maharashtra ATS, “In connection with the investigation of the accused arrested in CR No. 7/2023 ATS, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Maharashtra State, Mumbai, on 09.10.2025 conducted searches and inquiries at the houses and offices of persons in the areas of 19 Khadki, suspected Khadki Kondh. Wanwadi and Bhosari.”
The case was related to the arrest of several persons accused of being part of an ISIS sleeper cell operating in Maharashtra. The suspects are said to have been involved in radicalization, recruitment and the production of explosive devices as part of a larger terrorist plot.
During the operation, teams from ATS Mumbai and Pune Police conducted simultaneous searches to detect digital evidence, documents and communication devices that may be connected to the module’s network. The ATS has taken several suspects into custody for questioning. No official confirmation has yet been made regarding any new arrests or seizures.