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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
‘Bayath', DIY kits and bomb testing in Western Ghats: a look at ‘Pune ISIS module'
On June 28, 2025, high-profile terror operative Saquib Nachan, 66, who hailed from Padgha in Thane rural, died in judicial custody in Delhi. A former general secretary of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and a convict in multiple terror-related cases, Nachan was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in December 2023 for allegedly masterminding the ISIS terror modules in Maharashtra. According to the NIA, Nachan allegedly administered 'bayath' or the 'oath of allegiance to the ISIS Khalifa' to young recruits of the terror group. His son Shamil Nachan was arrested by the NIA in August 2023 in connection with the Pune ISIS module case. NIA has so far arrested 11 terror operatives in this case. The agency alleged that these terror operatives assembled and tested bombs in Pune, besides planning terror attacks in various cities across Maharashtra and Gujarat. The breakthrough: action suspecting vehicle theft During night patrolling duty on July 18, 2023, policemen Amol Najan and Pradip Chavan nabbed three suspects in Pune city's Kothrud area around 2.30 am on suspicion of vehicle theft. The suspects, identified as Mohammed Shahnawaz Alam alias Shafi alias Abdulla of Jharkhand, Mohammed Yusuf Khan, and Mohammed Yunus Mohammed Yakub Saki, both from Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh, were found to be residing in Pune's Kondhwa. While the police personnel were taking them for a house search in Kondhwa, Alam allegedly escaped, but was later arrested by the Delhi Police in October that year. Meanwhile, the house search led to the recovery of suspicious items like 'drone material', some white powder, a pistol pouch, and a live cartridge. Subsequently, a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged against them at the Kothrud station under Indian Penal Code sections 468 (forgery), 379 (theft), 511 (offense punishable with imprisonment), and 34 (common intention), besides sections of the Indian Arms Act and the Maharashtra Police Act. The probe confirmed that Khan and Saki were members of the Al Sufa terrorist gang linked to ISIS. Both were 'most wanted' by the NIA in a case relating to the recovery of explosives from a car in Rajasthan in March 2022. The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) then took over the probe from the Pune police on July 22. Forensic investigation confirmed that the white powder seized from the accused was an explosive substance. ATS invoked sections of the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) against the accused for their alleged involvement in terrorist activities, while posing as 'graphic designers' in Pune. ATS also claimed to have recovered bomb-making material such as 'chemical powder, charcoal, thermometer, dropper, soldering gun, multimeter, small bulbs, batteries, alarm clock,' from the accused. ATS arrested a few more suspects, including Abdul Kadir Pathan, an IT engineer S N Kazi for allegedly providing shelter and funds. ATS also seized maps, Urdu and Arabic literature, and retrieved about 500 GB of data from the electronic devices of the accused, which carried images of various locations in Pune and other areas, including the Chabad house in Mumbai. NIA takes over probe On June 23, 2023, the NIA registered the 'Maharashtra ISIS terror module case' and arrested six people: Tabish Nasser Siddiqui from Mumbai, Zubair Noor Mohammed Shaikh alias Abu Nusaiba and Dr Adnan Ali Sarkar from Pune, Sharjeel Shaikh, Zulfikar Ali Barodawala, and Aakif Ateeque Nachan from Padgha in Thane. The probe revealed that Aakif Nachan and Barodawala worked 'in collaboration' with the ATS case suspects. ATS took Barodawala into custody on August 1, 2023, suspecting him to be the 'handler' of Khan, Saki and Pathan. But considering the common links, the NIA then took over the probe from ATS on August 7 and named it the Pune ISIS Module case. Investigations revealed that Barodawala was a key accused, who along with his associates, played a role in raising the ISIS Sleeper Cell in Maharashtra. The probe revealed that Barodawala resided in Kondhwa between 2017 and 2022. He allegedly trained Khan, Saki and Alam in making bombs at their Kondhwa house. ATS alleged that they tested the bombs at a secluded spot in the Ghat section in Pune, along with certain locations in the forest areas of Satara and Kolhapur. As per a press release by NIA, Barodawala and his associates even 'shared relevant material, including 'Do It Yourself kits (DIY)' among themselves for the fabrication of IEDs and manufacture of small weapons, pistols…' 11 accused chargesheeted In November 2023, the NIA chargesheeted seven accused, including Khan, Saki, Pathan, Kazi, Barodawala, Akif Nachan and Shamil Nachan in the Pune ISIS Module case. Further, in March 2024, a chargesheet was filed against Alam and three wanted accused: Rizwan Ali of Delhi, Abdulla Faiyaz Shaikh alias Daiperwala, and Talha Liyakat Khan of Kondhwa, Pune. Meanwhile, Rizwan Ali was arrested by the Delhi Police's Special Cell in August 2024. NIA took his custody this month for investigation. Before that, in May this year, NIA arrested Abdulla Shaikh and Talha, after they 'were intercepted by the Bureau of Immigration at the Mumbai International Airport' when they returned to India from Jakarta, Indonesia, where they had been 'hiding out.' The probe revealed that Rizwan got involved in ISIS after being radicalised through social media. In 2017, he befriended Alam, who came to Delhi from Jharkhand for studies. In 2022, the duo came in touch with Khan and Saki. All four were indoctrinated to join the ISIS operations. NIA alleged that the accused had recced the areas of Western Ghats for potential hideouts. The agency also claimed to have recovered handwritten notes taken by the accused at the time of their IED fabrication training in Pune. A drone, clothes, and a knife used during the 'bayath' (oath), taken in the name of the Khalifa of ISIS, were also recovered, the NIA stated. Chandan Haygunde is an assistant editor with The Indian Express with 15 + years of experience in covering issues related to Crime, Courts, National Security and Human Rights. He has been associated with The Indian Express since 2007. Chandan has done investigative reporting on incidents of terrorism, left wing extremism, espionage cases, wildlife crimes, narcotics racket, cyber crimes and sensational murder cases in Pune and other parts of Maharashtra. While working on the 'Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) Fellowship on Tigers, Tiger Habitats and Conservation' in 2012, he reported extensively on the illegal activities in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. He has done in-depth reporting on the cases related to the Koregaon Bhima violence in Pune and hearings of the 'Koregaon Bhima Commission of Inquiry'. ... Read More Sushant Kulkarni is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express in Pune with 12+ years of experience covering issues related to Crime, Defence, Internal Security and Courts. He has been associated with the Indian Express since July 2010. Sushant has extensively reported on law and order issues of Pune and surrounding area, Cyber crime, narcotics trade and terrorism. His coverage in the Defence beat includes operational aspects of the three services, the defence research and development and issues related to key defence establishments. He has covered several sensitive cases in the courts at Pune. Sushant is an avid photographer, plays harmonica and loves cooking. ... Read More
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Patrol team nabs criminal in Warje & seizes 3kg silver
Pune: The Warje Malwadi police's night patrol team early on Thursday arrested a criminal on police records after a chase, even as his four accomplices managed to escape. The police seized an SUV containing stolen goods, including 3kg of silver jewellery, and burglary tools like iron rods, drilling machines, cutters and screwdrivers, all hinting at a possible dacoity bid. "The criminal, Sonu Tak, is from Hadapsar and has over 10 cases of burglaries and robberies registered against him," DCP (Zone-III) Sambhaji Kadam told TOI. He said Tak inflicted injuries on himself to evade arrest. "We took him to a hospital and after he was discharged, we took him in custody. He will be produced before a court on Friday," he said. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune The high drama unfolded around 2.40am on the service road of the Katraj-Dehu Road Bypass near Mhada colony in Warje. Police spotted a suspicious SUV parked on the road, with occupants inside and others standing outside, prompting further investigation. "The team immediately alerted the night duty officer, who reached the spot with more manpower," the officer said. He said after seeing the police team, the five people started running away. "Our team chased and nabbed Tak even as he tried to attack the police personnel. Four others succeeded in escaping," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Kadam said when the police team checked the SUV, they found 3kg of silver jewellery and equipment used for breaking locks and shutters. "Investigations revealed that it was an inter-district gang of criminals. Some of them are from Hadapsar, and others are from Satara district. The gang recently broke into a jewellery shop at Lohara in Dharashiv district. We suspect that the recovered silver was from that shop. We also found that the gang stole the SUV from Saswad a few days ago," he said. The officer said teams have been fanned out to trace Tak's four accomplices. "We have registered a case under relevant BNS and Indian Arms Act sections. We are investigating further," Kadam added.
India.com
16-07-2025
- India.com
J-K: Properties Worth Crore Belonging To Pakistan-Based Terrorist Handler Seized In Budgam
The Jammu and Kashmir Police has seized three immovable properties worth crores of rupees belonging to Pakistan-based terrorist handlers in Budgam district. The properties were attached in the areas of Khag, Chewa Beerwah, and Harwani Khansahab in Budgam district. This action was executed under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to disrupt terror networks by targeting assets linked to terrorist activities. Budgam police in a handout said, 'In a major crackdown on terror operatives and their support structures, Budgam Police have attached three properties belonging to Pakistan-based terrorist handlers located in Khag, Chewa Beerwah, and Harwani Khansahib in presence of concerned Executive Magistrates. The action was carried out in connection with case FIR No. 58/2024 U/S 7/25 Indian Arms Act, 18, 20, 23 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) of Police Station Khag, and under proceedings-initiated U/S 25 of UAPA for attachment of properties used in terrorist activities. The properties attached belong to the following accused persons presently operating from across the border: 1. Manzoor Ahmad Chopan @ Rayees S/O Gh. Mohi-ud-din Chopan, R/O Harwani Khansahib (Double-storied residential house with premises at village Harwani Khansahib, Budgam under Khasra No. 763). 2. Mohammad Yousuf Malik @ Molvi S/O Ab. Rahim Malik, R/O Chewa Budgam (Double-storied residential house along with 05 Kanals, 13 Marlas of land at village Chewa Budgam under Khasra No. 151). Ahmad Wani @ Umer S/O Gh. Ahmad Wani, R/O Nagbal Khag (Land measuring 19.5 Marlas situated at Khag under Khasra Nos. 1093 and 1094). Police added, 'These terrorist handlers, operating from Pakistan, have been actively orchestrating and facilitating terrorist activities in the region for several years. The attachment of their properties is a part of the ongoing efforts to dismantle the logistical, financial, and operational networks of terror outfits and their cross-border sponsors. This operation aligns with ongoing efforts by Jammu and Kashmir Police to dismantle terror support structures, which include seizing assets acquired through proceeds of terrorism or used to harbor terrorists. These efforts reflect a zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism and its support networks.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Time of India
Man taken into custody for brandishing sword in public
Mangaluru: A man has been taken into custody by Puttur Town police on charges of brandishing a sword and threatening the public. The accused is Raju,45. According to police, the incident took place on Monday afternoon at Bolvar in Puttur Kasba village. Police received information that a man was brandishing a sword and threatening the public. Acting on this, Puttur Town police rushed to the spot, and with the help of the public, picked up the accused. Upon questioning, he said he was from Hassan and was currently residing in Bantwal. The accused was taken into custody for further interrogation. A case was registered at the Puttur Town police station under Sections 25(1B)(b) of the Indian Arms Act and Section 110 of the BNS. An investigation is ongoing, police said.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Time of India
Samruddhi toll plaza employee injured after colleague accidentally fires illegal firearm
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: A toll plaza employee was seriously injured on Friday after he was accidentally shot by his colleague, who was flaunting an illegal firearm. The incident occurred late on Friday at exit point 16 near Babhulgaon Sawangi, on the Samruddhi expressway, where both the contractual employees were on duty. Vinay Kumar Rathod, the superintendent of police of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Rural), said, "The incident is serious, and we are probing it from all angles. Considering the VIP movement and the use of this super expressway by eminent people from across the country, toll plaza workers possessing a firearm illegally is of great concern." The preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect did not have a weapon licence issued in his name, leading police to conclude that the firearm was illegal. Police said the suspect, identified as Karan Bhalerao, reportedly possessed an illegal firearm and invited his colleague Bharat Ghadole to the toll plaza's employee restroom. "The victim said it was while showing off the firearm that the suspect accidentally fired the bullet, which hit him in the back," Phulambri police station inspector Sanjay Sahane told TOI. Police initially suspected a clash between the two, but the preliminary investigation revealed that the shooting was not the result of a dispute. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo "Instead, it occurred while Bhalerao was allegedly flaunting the weapon in a confined space. The bullet struck Ghadole in the back, causing him serious injuries and profuse bleeding. Other employees present at the toll plaza, with the help of others, immediately took him to the govt medical college and hospital, where he is currently recuperating. " Bhalerao, meanwhile, had fled the scene with the weapon. "The accused is on the run, and two separate police teams have been formed to track him down," Sahane added. Both the victim and the accused were contractual employees of the company operating the toll plaza on the expressway. Phulambri police have registered a case against Bhalerao under section 110B of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for attempt to commit culpable homicide. Additionally, relevant sections of the Indian Arms Act have been invoked against him for possession and misuse of an illegal weapon. As of late Saturday, the accused remains at large, and search operations are ongoing.
