Maharashtra ATS Traces Inter-State Link Between ‘Child Wing’ Organisation And Hyderabad Outfit Under Terror Scrutiny
Mumbai, August 13, 2026: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has uncovered an alleged inter-state network linking a fundamentalist organisation operating in Maharashtra with individuals associated with the Hyderabad-based Darsgah-Jihad-O-Shahadat (DJS), as investigators probe an alleged attempt to radicalise minors and build a covert “child wing”. According to officials, investigators have…
On August 13, 2026, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) announced the discovery of an alleged inter-state network connecting a fundamentalist organisation in Maharashtra with the Darsgah-Jihad-O-Shahadat (DJS) group based in Hyderabad. This investigation is centered around the suspected radicalisation of minors and the establishment of a covert "child wing."
The ATS has traced operational, financial, and logistical connections between suspects from Maharashtra and individuals associated with DJS in Hyderabad. The investigation has extended to suspects in Ahilyanagar, Yavatmal region, including Pusad, Pardi, and Umarkhed. The ATS had previously dismantled a fundamentalist organisation accused of running a program to indoctrinate children through training camps and ideological sessions.
This latest development follows a report by The Free Press Journal on August 11. According to the ATS, some Maharashtra-based suspects had discreet contact with DJS-associated individuals and allegedly participated in DJS community outreach programs. The ATS is now examining whether these interactions were isolated or part of a wider network.
The DJS, founded in Hyderabad in 1983, describes itself as a socio-religious organization involved in community outreach and martial arts. However, it has faced scrutiny from security agencies due to allegations of radicalization and the activities of some of its former members and associates. Multiple high-profile intelligence audits and security dossiers reveal that several DJS cadres have gravitated towards banned terrorist groups like the Indian Mujahideen (IM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Al-Qaeda affiliates after exposure to DJS training.
Notable former DJS members include Mohammed Abdul Shahed (accused of involvement in the 2007 Mecca Masjid and Gokul Chat Bhandar blasts) and Syed Maqbool (linked to the Indian Mujahideen's Hyderabad module and Dilsukhnagar blasts). The investigation is ongoing, with officials suspecting that elements linked to DJS and the former SIMI organization may be attempting to influence young minds and draw them towards extremism once again.
Written by urgent.news from Free Press Journal's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
