ATS Busts Radicalization Racket Operating Under Garb Of Soccer Club In Yavatmal

Nagpur: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) unearthed an alleged radicalisation network during raids at 21 locations spanning multiple districts, including Yavatmal and Ahilyanagaron Sunday.At the heart of the racket was a Nagpur-based grocer, who allegedly used a soccer club in Pusad, Yavatmal, as a front to indoctrinate youths into jihadi ideology. Originally from Pusad, he relocated to Jaffar Nagpur in Nagpur with his family, whose decades-old ties with radical Islamist outfits had placed them on the radar of intelligence agencies. His parents were members of a banned Islamic outfit and helped in clandestinely carrying out the operation, said top sources.
During intensive searches in Yavatmal's Pusad and Ahilyanagar, ATS teams detained several youths for questioning. Investigators seized mobile phones, laptops, electronic gadgets, and other devices from their residences. Data, including phone records and social media accounts, was immediately sent to the forensic laboratory to recover deleted content and trace hidden communications.Preliminary findings indicate many of these youths, projected as footballers, maintained regular contact with cross-border radical Islamic terror outfits. Sources in intelligence agencies stated the suspects were allegedly involved in online discussions promoting anti-India sentiments and pro-jihadi ideology. "Houses, personal associations, and digital footprints of all suspects are now under surveillance," an official stated.ATS detained the alleged mastermind and interrogated him on his activities and the full scope of the racket. Though the suspect was released, he continues to remain under scanner as investigations proceed.What makes this case particularly alarming is the modus operandi — the accused reportedly sent these individuals disguised as football team members to radicalisation camps and workshops in Kerala and West Bengal. Besides the football club, several youths and organisations related to radical groups were put under scanner.Expensive flight tickets point to a well-organised and financially supported network aimed at ideological grooming of vulnerable youths through targeted congregations and meetings, said ATS sources. "This exposure highlighted a trend of exploiting recreational platforms to propagate extremist ideology," said an official.Sources stated that by analysing social media interactions, electronic evidence, and cross-border links, investigators are now mapping the entire network, including potential funding sources and wider associations. "This development serves as a stark warning about hidden radicalisation efforts that can undermine national security," said an official associated with the raids.As the probe deepens, authorities are expected to uncover more layers of the conspiracy, reinforcing the need for continued vigilance against such deceptive operations in Maharashtra, said an official source.