ED and Maharashtra ATS Conduct Raids in Thane in Terror Funding Case; Search Operation Ongoing

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) carried out joint raids on Thursday in Padgha area of Thane district in connection with a suspected terror funding case. Officials confirmed that the search operation began early in the morning and is still underway. This action is based on findings from earlier investigations. Prior to this, raids were also conducted in Borivli village in Padgha. Several houses of suspects are being searched, and the ED is examining suspicious financial transactions with assistance from the central investigation agency ATS.

In June this year, the ATS, along with Thane Rural Police, had conducted large-scale raids at 22 houses in Borivli, Padgha. Those targeted included former office-bearer of the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), Saquib Nachan, other suspected members, and supporters of the banned organisation.

Officials said that during those raids, ATS had seized 19 mobile phones and objectionable material related to radical activities and documents. Two years ago, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had also conducted raids in Padgha in a separate terror-linked case. Saquib Nachan was arrested from Padgha by the NIA. He later died in a Delhi hospital in June this year.