Mumbai: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday conducted searches at 19 locations across 8 states in connection with a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror conspiracy case. During the operation, several incriminating documents and electronic devices, including mobile phones, pen drives, CDs, and hard disks, were seized.
The searches were carried out in various locations, including Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad), Amravati, and Bhiwandi in Maharashtra, as well as in other states such as Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
During the operation, the NIA detained several individuals for questioning. One 20-year-old man was detained in Sambhaji Nagar, but was later released after questioning. In Amravati, a 26-year-old man, Musaid, was detained from the Chhaya nagar area under the Nagpuri Gate police station. Additionally, a 45-year-old man, Kamran Ansari, was taken into custody from Bhiwandi for questioning. Ansari, who had moved to Bhiwandi from Malegaon a few months ago. Both of them were released after questioning.
The searches were conducted at the premises of suspects and close aides of the accused, Sheikh Sultan Salah Uddin Ayubi (@Ayubi), a key figure in the JeM terror network. Ayubi, originally from Goalpara, Assam, is accused of being a central figure in radicalizing youth across India, particularly through online platforms. His terror efforts have been traced to several states, including Maharashtra, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and several other states
Ayubi, who has made numerous visits to Maharashtra, Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir, has been actively spreading jihadist propaganda via social media. His use of Facebook, YouTube, and encrypted messaging platforms like Telegram to promote violent extremism, especially targeting youth. has facilitated his attempts to recruit and radicalize youth, promoting violent extremism through posts, lectures, and content in Arabic.
NIA investigation reveal that Ayubi’s Telegram channel, a central platform for spreading JeM's message, features content from Iraqi publishers and lectures by Islamic scholars, which frame jihad as a justified form of violence and militancy.His online materials have served as tools for recruiting new members and furthering the group's agenda.
The investigation also revealed Ayubi's involvement in terror financing. According to sources, Jaish-e-Mohammad allegedly transferred Rs 14 crore to Ayubi over the past few years via a Customer Service Point (CSP) in Goalpara. Although the CSP was authorized for banking transactions, it was reportedly used to facilitate banking operations linked to terror funding, with several JeM sympathizers allegedly involved.
