Mumbai suspect arrested for gathering intelligence on Chabad House for foreign handlers
The suspect, Yash Singh, a resident of Airoli in Navi Mumbai, was initially detained by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) after intelligence about suspicious social media contacts.
A 20-year-old man, Yash Singh, from Airoli in Navi Mumbai, has been apprehended by Indian authorities for allegedly gathering intelligence on Jewish and foreign locations, including the Chabad House, according to Indian news agency PTI. Singh, who was initially detained by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad, was later arrested by a team from Kerala Police, as part of an ongoing investigation in Thrissur district.
According to Singh, he received instructions from handlers on social media to collect data on sensitive sites in south Mumbai, particularly the Colaba area. These assignments included photographing and identifying the exact locations of the Chabad House, Jewish-owned businesses, and areas visited by foreign nationals. Singh reportedly accepted payment for his services and communicated with his handlers through Telegram.
Investigations revealed that Singh was linked to another suspect already arrested in a case being investigated by the Thrissur East police station under India's Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Authorities have warned about criminal networks operating outside India, including a suspected Pakistan-based network called Shehzad Bhatti, which allegedly uses Telegram, Instagram, and WhatsApp to recruit and pay young individuals for intelligence gathering and other illicit activities. However, it remains unclear if Singh was recruited or directed by this specific network.
The Chabad House, also known as Nariman House, was targeted in the November 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, making the suspicion of intelligence gathering at the site particularly concerning. Anti-terrorism officials have urged parents and young people to be vigilant about online solicitations and to refrain from exchanging photographs or information about sensitive locations for money.
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