Gujarat ATS nabs youth influenced by Jaish-e-Mohammed, Al-Qaeda in Navsari

A suspicious youth was arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) from the Charpul area of Navsari, Gujarat, on Monday, in connection with an alleged terror-related conspiracy, as per reports.

The accused has been identified as Faizan Sheikh, a native of Rampur in Uttar Pradesh, who had been residing in Navsari.

According to the ATS, preliminary investigations reportedly suggest that Sheikh was influenced by the radical ideology of banned terrorist organisations Jaish-e-Mohammed and Al-Qaeda. 

Officials said he was allegedly radicalised through online platforms and other channels, following which he is suspected to have planned attacks targeting members of a particular community with the intention of spreading fear and disrupting social harmony.

The agency further claimed that the accused had illegally procured weapons and live ammunition to execute the alleged plot. 

Investigators are now probing the source of the arms and ammunition and are examining whether any associates were involved in the conspiracy.

Further investigations in the case are underway, the ATS added.