Eight with ‘IS tilt’ arrested, were plotting terror: ATS

AURANGABAD/THANE: The state anti-terrorism squad (ATS) arrested eight youths, suspected to have been aligned to IS or ISIS, in Aurangabad and Mumbra in Thane early on Wednesday. A minor boy, detained on Tuesday with four of the youths in Aurangabad, was sent to an observation home.




The youths have been charged with criminal conspiracy and under sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Maharashtra Police Act (MPA).

The four Aurangabad youths were produced before a special court and remanded in 14 days’ ATS custody. The minor was produced before the child welfare committee before being sent to the observation home. District government pleader Avinash Deshpande claimed the youths were affiliated to IS and were planning terror acts, including preparation of chemical bombs, IEDs and even poison by using chemicals available with them.

ATS sources said the nine suspects were questioned for 18 hours in Aurangabad and Thane. The eight arrested have been identified as Mohsin Sirajuddin Khan (32) of Mumbra, now residing at Aurangabad; Mazhar A R Shaikh (21) of Almas Colony, Mumbra; Mohammed Taqi alias Abu Khalid (20) of Mumbra, now residing at Aurangabad; Mohammed Mushahid-ul-Islam (23) of Aurangabad; Mohammed Sarfaraz (25) of Mumbra, now residing at Rahat Colony, Aurangabad; Zaman N Khuteupad of Mumbra; Salman S Khan (28) of Kausa; and Fahad M I Ansari (25) of Mumbra. Representing the suspects, lawyers Khizar Patel and Syed Taufiq said recovery shown by ATS was of household articles. They alleged ATS had added sections to make the case look graver.