Man Detained for Plotting Lone-Wolf Attacks on Security Forces in MP

The Madhya Pradesh Police's Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) arrested a man on Thursday who was allegedly planning a lone-wolf attack on security forces. Faizan Sheikh, a 34-year-old mechanic, was influenced by the ideologies of the Indian Mujahideen (IM) and the Islamic State (IS). He was apprehended after raids in Kanjar Mohalla-Saluja Colony in Khandwa town, officials said.

Inspector General (IG)-ATS of MP Police Ashish stated that initial investigations revealed Sheikh aimed to gain notoriety by executing a lone-wolf attack on security personnel. He had conducted a thorough reconnaissance for this purpose. According to police sources, Sheikh had been under ATS surveillance for a long time due to his regular contact with members of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).

Seized Items and Legal Actions

During the raid, authorities recovered four mobile phones, one pistol, live cartridges, and literature and videos from various terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, IM, and IS. Sheikh has been charged under multiple sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), IG Ashish confirmed. The ATS is also interrogating others associated with Sheikh in Khandwa.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav praised the police for Sheikh's arrest and mentioned that the state government has contacted central agencies to share details about the accused's network. "We will not tolerate any such activity in Madhya Pradesh... we were able to arrest a dreaded terrorist and have also come to know of his secret plans. I am sure the police action will break the backbone of their network," Yadav told reporters in Chhindwara.

Government and Central Agency Involvement

The state government has also informed the Intelligence Bureau (IB) about Sheikh's arrest. The central agency will investigate the matter further. "We took timely action against him and thus foiled a major terror plan," Chief Minister Yadav added.

Sheikh's arrest highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to thwart potential terror activities in the region. The investigation continues as authorities aim to dismantle any networks linked to Sheikh and prevent future threats.