20-year-old arrested for allegedly spying on sensitive sites in Mumbai, including 26/11 target Nariman house

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 20-year-old man for allegedly conducting reconnaissance of sensitive locations in Mumbai, including the Chabad House in Colaba, a key target during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, officials said.

The accused, identified as Yash Singh, allegedly photographed sensitive sites, businesses and establishments associated with Jewish citizens and shared the images and location details with social media handles he had come into contact with.

Accused allegedly shared details with foreign handlers

According to officials, Singh had allegedly come into contact with international criminal networks and anti-national elements through social media.

The ATS’s Navi Mumbai unit received confidential information that the Airoli resident was in contact with such elements through online platforms. An investigation and intensive questioning reportedly revealed that he had been tasked with collecting and sharing photographs and information about prominent and sensitive locations across Mumbai.

These included the Chabad House, also known as Nariman House, in Colaba, companies owned by Jewish citizens, foreign and Jewish nationals, their vehicles and surrounding areas.

Officials said Singh allegedly received payments at regular intervals in exchange for the information he collected.

Further investigation revealed that he was in direct contact with anti-national operatives through Telegram.

Kerala police link him to UAPA case

Investigators also found that Singh was allegedly associated with Crime No. 994/2025, registered at Thrissur East Police Station in Kerala under Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.

The Navi Mumbai ATS immediately shared the information with the Thrissur police. A Kerala Police team subsequently travelled to Navi Mumbai and questioned Singh.

After confirming his alleged involvement in the case, the Kerala Police arrested him in connection with the investigation.

ATS warns of social media recruitment networks

In a warning, the ATS said several international criminal syndicates, anti-national elements and Pakistani handlers, including the Shahzad Bhatti network, were using platforms such as Telegram, Instagram and WhatsApp to target unemployed and financially vulnerable young people.

These networks allegedly lure individuals with offers of money and recruit them for anti-national and sabotage-related activities, the agency said.

The ATS added that it was actively identifying and taking action against individuals involved in such activities.

Police have appealed to citizens, particularly parents and young people, to exercise caution while interacting with strangers on social media and avoid falling for financial inducements.

They have also urged people not to share photographs, reconnaissance material or information concerning sensitive locations with unknown individuals.

(with IANS inputs)