Navsari: In a major crackdown against terrorist activities, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested Faizan Sheikh from Navsari. He originally hails from Dundawala, Narpat Nagar in Rampur district of Uttar Pradesh.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused was allegedly influenced by the extremist ideology of banned terrorist organisations Jaish-e-Mohammed and Al-Qaeda.

Addressing the media, ATS DG Sunil Joshi said that Faizan had been living in Navsari for the last four years. He was arrested in a joint operation conducted by the Navsari SOG and the local police. A pistol and six live cartridges were recovered from his possession.

Investigation revealed that the accused used to write hate messages against people who spoke against the Prophet and was associated with several Telegram channels. The ATS believes this to be a well-organised terror module that was plotting to kill individuals who spoke against the Prophet.

The ATS has recovered the names and photographs of several people from the accused, whom he had allegedly targeted. During interrogation, the accused stated that he had brought the weapon from his native Rampur in Uttar Pradesh about a month ago and had paid approximately Rs 30,000 for it.

Currently, the ATS is carrying out a thorough investigation into the entire network, and further action will be taken after identifying and tracing other individuals involved.

Following the arrest, security agencies have heightened surveillance across Navsari and the entire South Gujarat region as a precautionary measure. Further investigation is underway. DeshGujarat