Thane: ATS Raids House of Former SIMI Member Saqib Nachan in Terror Probe

Thane, 2nd June 2025: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) conducted a raid on the residence of terror suspect Saqib Nachan in Borivali village, Padgha, located in Bhiwandi taluka of Thane district. The late-night operation, supported by Bhiwandi Rural Police, is part of an ongoing investigation linked to a terrorism-related case.

Saqib Nachan, a former member of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), has a long history of alleged involvement in terror activities. He has been previously convicted in high-profile cases, including the 2002 Mulund and Mumbai Central railway station bomb blasts. Authorities suspect he may be planning further acts of violence.

Thane Rural Additional Superintendent of Police D.S. Swamy was present during the raid, which is still ongoing. Around 20 to 22 individuals have been detained for questioning so far.

This is not the first time the Nachan household has come under scrutiny. Both the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and ATS have previously searched Saqib’s residence. His son, Aqib Nachan, was also arrested in an NIA case related to alleged terror links.

The operation in Thane comes amid a broader crackdown on terror suspects across the country. On Friday, the Counter-Intelligence unit of the Jammu and Kashmir Police carried out raids at several locations in the Valley as part of a parallel investigation into individuals with suspected terrorist affiliations.

Authorities say further inquiries are underway and have not ruled out more arrests in connection with the case.