New Delhi: In a significant development, Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) officials arrested Faizan Sheikh from Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh around 4 AM. He was allegedly suspected of planning a lone wolf attack on security personnel. According to ATS sources, Sheikh disseminated videos from Mujahideen training camps in Pakistan, speeches by Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar, and material from Lashkar-e-Taiba.Extensive propagation of Extremist contentATS officials disclosed that Sheikh also shared information regarding the Kandahar plane hijacking, statements attributed to Taliban leader Mullah Omar, and posts related to Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGH). These activities were reportedly aimed at radicalizing individuals and promoting militant agendas on social media platforms.ATS investigation and arrestThe arrest of Sheikh follows an intensive investigation by Madhya Pradesh ATS into activities promoting terrorism and radicalization online. Authorities have seized electronic devices and other materials from his possession, which are currently being scrutinized for further evidence.Used Facebook to promote ideologiesSheikh had been actively using social media, particularly Facebook to promote the ideologies of IM and ISIS. He distributed videos from Mujahideen training camps in Pakistan, speeches by Jaish-e-Mohammmed leader Masood Azhar, and material from Lashkar-e-Taiba. He also shared details about the Kandahar plane hijacking, statements by Mullah Omar, and posts related to Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. National security concernsThe incident underscores ongoing concerns about the use of social media for spreading extremist ideologies and the imperative for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to counter such activities in the interest of national security.The Madhya Pradesh ATS continues to probe the extent of Sheikhs activities and any potential links to broader extremist networks, emphasizing the critical role of monitoring and addressing online radicalization efforts.
