The Madhya Pradesh (MP) Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested Faizan Sheikh, a 34-year-old mechanic from Khandwa, who was planning a “lone wolf” attack on security personnel. The arrest occurred after a raid on Sheikh’s home in Kanhar Mohalla in Khandwa’s Saluja colony.
Inspector General Ashish of MP Police stated that the arrested accused had planned the attack to gain notoriety. During the raid, the ATS found significant incriminating material, including Jihadi literature from various terrorist organizations like Indian Mujahideen (IM), ISIS, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammad.
“We received reliable information that someone influenced by the Indian Mujahideen ideology was planning a big attack. This led to the arrest of Faizan Sheikh, a resident of Kanjar Mohalla, Khandwa. He has been charged under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA),” said the ATS official.
The ATS also seized four mobile phones, a pistol, and five live cartridges from Sheikh’s residence. The devices contained extensive jihadi literature, videos, and images related to terrorist organizations. Sheikh was also found to be in contact with members of the banned outfit Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).
Sheikh’s social media accounts, especially Facebook, were used to spread extremist ideologies and share content related to terrorist organizations. This included videos from Mujahideen training camps, speeches from terrorist leaders, and posts about terrorist activities.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorist activities in the state. The investigation is ongoing to uncover more details about Sheikh’s plans and any potential accomplices. The state government has also informed the Intelligence Bureau (IB) about the arrest, and the central agency will investigate further.
In May 2023, the Madhya Pradesh ATS also arrested sixteen members of the radical Islamic group Hijb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) during raids in different districts of Madhya Pradesh and Telangana. HuT aims to re-establish the Islamic caliphate and implement Sharia law globally. Some of the arrested members had converted from Hindu Dharma to Islam and married Hindu girls.
This arrest of Faizan Sheikh and the earlier crackdown on HuT members show the Madhya Pradesh government’s firm stance against terrorism.
(Featured Image Source: IANS)
