ATS Conducts Raids in Pune: Uncovering the ISIS Module's Network

In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the Pune ISIS module case, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), in collaboration with Pune City Police and central intelligence agencies, executed a series of coordinated raids across various parts of the city. The operation began around midnight on Wednesday and continued until Thursday evening, targeting 19 locations, including areas such as Kondhwa, Khadak, Wanowrie, Khadki, and Bhosari.

One of the key locations raided was Ashoka Mews Society in Kondhwa, a site previously known for its connection to Indian Mujahideen activities. In 2008, a “control room” of the banned outfit was dismantled here. The raids involved a substantial police presence, and officials confirmed that a significant amount of electronic devices, including hard drives, pen drives, documents, and other materials, were seized during the operation.

While a few individuals have been detained for questioning, the authorities have not yet disclosed their identities or confirmed any arrests. An ATS official stated, “Verification of the individuals is underway, and the investigation could widen based on emerging intelligence.”

Earlier in the case, subsequent arrests included individuals accused of providing logistical support, shelter, and funding to the group. Notable arrests included Abdul Kadir Pathan, an IT engineer, as well as S N Kazi and Zulfikar Ali Barodawala. The ATS recovered bomb-making components and over 500 GB of digital data, including photographs of key locations in Pune and Mumbai, such as the Chabad House.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the case on August 8, 2023, designating the suspects as part of a separate “Pune ISIS module.” The probe revealed that the accused had conducted bomb tests in isolated areas of Pune, Satara, and Kolhapur. They were also found to be sharing “Do-It-Yourself (DIY)” kits for assembling improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and small arms.

In April 2023, three key suspects—Saki, Alam, and Barodawala—allegedly carried out an armed robbery in Satara, looting around ₹1 lakh from a local sari shop owner. The funds, according to the ATS, were partially used for procuring bomb-making components and financing terror activities. All three were arrested by the ATS in March 2024.

Following these arrests, the NIA filed its first chargesheet in November 2023 against seven accused, including Khan, Saki, Pathan, Kazi, Barodawala, Akif Nachan, and Shamil Nachan. In March 2024, the agency filed a supplementary chargesheet against Shahnawaz Alam and three others: Rizwan Ali from Delhi, Abdulla Faiyaz Shaikh alias Daiperwala, and Talha Liyakat Khan from Kondhwa.

Rizwan Ali was arrested by Delhi Police in August 2024 and later transferred to NIA custody. In May 2025, Shaikh and Talha were intercepted at Mumbai International Airport upon their return from Jakarta, where they had been hiding. Talha was later arrested in June this year by the ATS for his involvement in the Satara robbery and alleged terror funding activities.

The ongoing investigation is expected to shed more light on the extent of the ISIS module's operations in Pune and the broader implications for national security.