Madhya Pradesh: Faizan was training himself to make bombs, NIA eyes case

BHOPAL: A major plot seemed to be thwarted with the arrest of Faizan Sheikh (34) by the Madhya Pradesh anti-terrorism squad (ATS) on July 4 in Khandwa.
Faizan, a mechanic by profession, was allegedly attempting to learn bomb-making techniques through online searches. Forensic experts are currently examining his phone to recover deleted data that could provide further insights.He is expected to be presented before a special court in Khandwa on Tuesday and transferred to jail as investigations near completion. He has been charged under Section 13, 18,20 and 38 of UAPA.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has expressed interest in taking over the case due to potential interstate ramifications. NIA officials have already questioned Faizan in the past two days.
Faizan reportedly sought connections with the banned Indian Mujahideen (IM) terrorist organization. He was heavily influenced by Yasin Bhatkal, a prominent IM figure, and reportedly visited his village multiple times over the past few years.
Interrogation revealed Faizan's efforts to indoctrinate local children with extremist ideology and his possession of propaganda materials related to Kashmir and terrorism. Authorities also found pictures of senior security personnel on his phone, suggesting potential targets. Driven by a desire for revenge for the 2016 encounter deaths of eight SIMI terrorists, Faizan confessed to conducting reconnaissance missions in army areas of Kashmir, Pathankot, Mumbai, and Delhi over the past three years (14 times in total).
Faizan intended to carry out a lone-wolf attack, acquiring a pistol and ammunition for this purpose. He expressed a willingness to die while harming even a single security force member. Examination of his phone uncovered searches for videos on terrorist training camps and their operational methods, say officials. His family had distanced themselves from him following ideological differences.
For the past seven to eight months, Faizan had withdrawn from social activities and gatherings. However, he maintained contact with the families of the deceased SIMI terrorists.
Following extended surveillance, the ATS apprehended Faizan at his Khandwa residence. A search yielded a significant amount of jihadi literature linked to extremist groups like IM and ISIS. Additionally, four mobile phones, a pistol with ammunition, and a SIMI membership form were confiscated.
Authorities believe Faizan aspired to emulate notorious figures like Yasin Bhatkal (IM) and Abu Faisal (SIMI leader). He was actively seeking additional weapons through local and out-of-state contacts. The ATS is actively investigating his potential accomplices.