On Tuesday, the Special Cell of the Delhi Police, in collaboration with the Thane Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), apprehended a 24-year-old individual named Huzaifa Ansari, a resident of Kurla, in the Bhayander area. This arrest is part of an investigation into a suspected terror network connected to Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI.
Authorities reported that Huzaifa Ansari came under police scrutiny recently after it was discovered that he was allegedly communicating with a Pakistani handler, Shahzad Bhatti, via social media platforms.
Last week, the Delhi Police had already detained eight suspects, including Sajid Shaikh, also known as Arbaz Khan, from Kurla in Mumbai, and Tauqeer Shaikh from Mumbra in Thane. Investigators claim that Shahzad Bhatti, based in Pakistan, has been utilizing social media to radicalize young people in India to participate in terrorist activities.
During questioning, it was revealed that Ansari had connections with both Shaikh and Khan, persuading them to join his network in exchange for financial incentives. He allegedly facilitated their entry into social media groups and provided their bank account information to Pakistani operatives. Investigators stated that Tauqeer Shaikh received a transfer of ₹21,000, while Arbaz Khan was credited with ₹25,000 after being introduced to these handlers by Ansari.
Ansari resides with his parents and sister in the Nehru Nagar area of Kurla, where he and his father work as mechanics. He reportedly fled his home after the arrests of Tauqeer Shaikh and Arbaz Khan last week by the Delhi Police.
Following his disappearance, authorities continued their search and eventually received a tip indicating that Ansari was hiding in the Mira Road region. A coordinated effort by the Thane ATS and Delhi Police Special Cell led to his capture in Bhayander on Tuesday evening. After being taken to the Thane unit office for thorough interrogation, he was presented in court, where he was remanded to police custody for three days.
As directed by the Thane court, Ansari is scheduled to appear before the Patiala House Court in Delhi on June 5. During the remand proceedings, police submitted screenshots of WhatsApp conversations as evidence. Tauqeer Shaikh, who is employed as a crane operator, lives with his family in Mumbra, while Sajid Shaikh had been living with his maternal uncle in Kurla (East) until four months ago, when he was expelled from the household due to substance abuse issues.
Authorities have identified Ansari as the central figure in this terror module, claiming that he was instrumental in recruiting his associates, who allegedly received online payments for their involvement in the network. The families of Tauqeer and Sajid Shaikh previously resided in Kurla (East) before relocating to Mumbra. According to police, the three men have known each other for several years and frequently met.
Manish Kumar Pathak is an experienced journalist with The Indian Express, specializing in crime reporting. His work reflects a deep understanding of law enforcement operations, fraud, and cyber security issues affecting the Mumbai metropolitan area.
Pathak’s contributions provide trustworthy insights into significant criminal activities and police actions, making him a reliable source for news in Western India.
