Based on specific intelligence regarding extremist activities, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Sunday morning launched a massive search operation in the State. These operations include searches at 14 sites in Pusad and Umarkhed tehsils of Yavatmal district, along with seven locations in Ahilyanagar district. PUSAD: The ATS conducted joint raids on a total of 11 places in Pusad on Saturday midnight. Initial information received from sources inform that this operation was carried out based on information related to an alleged conspiracy to carry out terrorist activities in the State. According to sources, it was suspected that attempts were being made to convert some innocent youths to extremist ideology by allegedly ‘brainwashing’ them.

 

This is being considered the biggest co-ordinated operation in recent times in Yavatmal district. The operation is believed to have been led by ATS chief Chandrakishore Meena. Around 20 special teams entered the city at midnight and launched search operations at various places. A large police contingent was deployed under the supervision of IPS-rank officers to ensure that no untoward incident took place during the operation. It was also said that the local police were not aware of it till the last stage as the operation was kept confidential. More than a dozen suspects were taken into custody during the raids and no one has been formally arrested yet. Some electronic devices, laptops and mobile phones have been seized and it is expected that important information will be obtained from them. Investigations are also underway to find out if the persons concerned have any links with inter-State or international terrorist organisations. Senior ATS sources said, “Further legal steps will be taken based on the incriminating material and technical evidence.

 

The investigation process is currently underway and official information will be released at the appropriate time.” Meanwhile, this crackdown has sparked various discussions among the citizens. The administration has appealed to the citizens not to believe in rumours and to cooperate in maintaining law and order. Umarkhed: Sensation prevailed in Tajpura ward of Umarkhed as the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) team raided the house of a suspect on Saturday midnight. Speculations were rifed in the town following the ATS action. As per reports, the ATS team, suddenly carried out a raid in the house of a suspect in a very confidential and secretive manner.

 

It may be noted that even the local police were completely unaware of the raid. Looking at the huge number of cops surrounding a house in the neighburhood, a large number of citizens gathered in the area. The cops, then went inside the house of the suspect and carried out an investigation. It was later revealed to the citizens that the raid was actually conducted by the ATS squad. The investigation continued from midnight to the early hours of Sunday. How and as to why the raid was carried out is being kept confidential as of now.