In a significant counter-terror operation, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a youth from Navsari in connection with an alleged terror-related conspiracy.
According to reports, the accused has been identified as Faizan Sheikh, a native of Rampur district in Uttar Pradesh, who was residing in the Charpul area of Navsari at the time of his arrest.
Investigators told media persons that Sheikh originally hails from Dundawala, Narpat Nagar in Rampur and had allegedly come under the influence of the extremist ideology propagated by banned terrorist organisations Jaish-e-Mohammed and Al-Qaeda.
Preliminary findings indicate that he was radicalised through social media and other online platforms, where he is believed to have remained in contact with suspected terrorist elements.
The ATS has held that after undergoing radicalisation, the accused allegedly planned violent attacks aimed at spreading fear and disturbing social harmony.
Officials said the suspected targets included members of a particular community, with the intention of creating terror and instability in the region. As part of the alleged plot, Sheikh is accused of illegally procuring weapons and live ammunition.
During the arrest operation, the ATS reportedly recovered illegal arms, ammunition and explosive materials from his possession. Sources said these recoveries point to preparations for carrying out targeted killings, though investigators are continuing to verify the scale and immediacy of the alleged plan.
Following the arrest, Sheikh has been taken into intensive interrogation. The ATS is currently probing the source of the weapons and ammunition and is working to determine whether he acted alone or had accomplices. Officials are also examining the possible financial and logistical networks that may have supported him.
As a precautionary measure, security agencies have stepped up surveillance across Navsari and other parts of South Gujarat to rule out any further threat. The ATS has said that further investigation is underway and additional details are expected to emerge as the probe progresses.
The arrest is being seen as part of Gujarat ATS’s continued efforts to identify and neutralise radicalised individuals and prevent terror-related activities before they can be executed.
Also Read: Two Arrested As Gujarat ATS Uncovers Pakistan-Linked Espionage Network https://www.vibesofindia.com/two-arrested-as-gujarat-ats-uncovers-pakistan-linked-espionage-network/
