In one of the most extensive ED ATS raids carried out this year, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) launched a coordinated anti-terror operation across India, targeting 40 locations linked to former SIMI leader Saquib Nachan. The action, which began early Thursday morning, spanned Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and parts of Delhi, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing SIMI investigation into terror financing, recruitment channels, and cross-border links.
According to official sources, the searches were planned over several weeks, with security agencies gathering digital intelligence, financial data, and human surveillance inputs. The Saquib Nachan case has gained national attention recently, with investigators focusing on suspicious money trails and alleged overseas support networks.
Why the Operation Matters
Officials say the latest ED ATS search operation is critical because it targets both active operatives and dormant supporters of banned organisations. Saquib Nachan, once a senior functionary of the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), has long been on the radar of investigative agencies.
A senior ED officer noted:
“We are uncovering a pattern of transactions linked to entities close to Nachan. Today’s operation will help us map the entire ecosystem behind the suspicious funding sources.”
Early reports suggest that investigators have seized laptops, encrypted hard drives, phones, financial ledgers, and documents that could reveal new leads.
Raids Conducted Across Four States
The synchronized nature of the anti-terror operation India indicates the scale of planning involved. Teams began their operations at dawn to prevent information leaks.
Locations Covered:
- Maharashtra: Thane, Mumbai, Nashik
- Uttar Pradesh: Lucknow, Meerut
- Gujarat: Ahmedabad, Surat
- Delhi NCR: Residential and commercial premises
Local police provided support, while elite units secured sensitive zones to ensure safety during the searches.
Financial Trail Under Scanner
The ED’s focus in the SIMI investigation is the alleged funneling of funds through hawala networks, NGOs, shell companies, and personal accounts of associates. Investigators believe the Saquib Nachan case may reveal long-standing financial connections that kept banned networks operational.
Preliminary evidence includes:
- Sudden cash deposits
- International money transfers
- Cryptocurrency wallet activity
- Funding received in small, frequent tranches
Authorities suspect these were designed to avoid regulatory detection.
Statements and Political Reactions
As the news of the ED ATS raids spread, political reactions began pouring in. The government defended the crackdown, calling it necessary for national security. Opposition parties demanded transparency and judicial oversight, warning against “possible misuse” of investigative powers.
A Home Ministry official stated:
“No agency acts without evidence. The operation is based on verified intelligence inputs tied to ongoing cases.”
Next Steps in the Case
Investigators will now analyse digital evidence collected from the ED ATS search operation. Forensic teams will decode encrypted drives and recover deleted files. This stage is crucial for establishing the chain of command, communication patterns, and links to international handlers, if any.
Expected follow-ups include:
- Summons to individuals named in seized documents
- Forensic audit of bank accounts
- Joint interrogation by ED, ATS, and intelligence units
- Possible arrests depending on evidence strength
Officials hinted that more raids may follow in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
The nationwide anti-terror operation India marks a turning point in the Saquib Nachan case, signalling the government’s commitment to dismantling both operational and financial nodes of extremist networks. With the investigation expanding, today’s coordinated crackdown could lead to significant breakthroughs in India’s fight against terror infrastructure and illegal funding systems.
News Source: Economics Time
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