In a major operation aimed at curbing terrorist activities in the state, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a youth with alleged extremist links from the Charpul area of Navsari. The accused has been identified as Faizan Sheikh, a native of Rampur in Uttar Pradesh, who had been residing in Navsari for the past three to four years and working as a tailor.
According to the ATS, preliminary investigations revealed that Faizan Sheikh had become highly radicalised through social media platforms. He was allegedly influenced by the extremist ideologies of banned terrorist organisations such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Al-Qaeda, and was regularly consuming provocative and anti-national online content.
Officials stated that the accused was not limited to ideological support alone but was actively preparing to carry out dangerous plans. He was operating an Instagram page under the name “Al Faizan Gaza” and was in contact with suspicious individuals through multiple Telegram groups. Investigations indicate that he was allegedly planning to target individuals who had made remarks against Prophet Mohammed and had begun collecting personal details of such persons.
ATS DIG Sunil Joshi, while briefing the media, confirmed that the accused was also in continuous contact with another suspect named Mohammed Abbu Bakar. Over the past two to three years, Faizan Sheikh had reportedly become fully radicalised due to extremist online content and was inclined towards spreading terror through violent means.
Further investigation revealed that around six months ago, the accused had travelled to his hometown Rampur, where he allegedly purchased a country-made pistol and six live cartridges worth ₹7.30 lakh. The weapon and ammunition were seized by the ATS during raids conducted with the assistance of Navsari SOG and local police.
The court has granted 12 days of police remand for the accused. During this period, ATS officials will examine his mobile phone data, social media activity, and digital evidence to identify possible sleeper cells or associates linked to the case.
Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing and further disclosures are expected as the digital forensic analysis progresses.
