A 20-year-old man, identified as Yash Singh from Airoli in Navi Mumbai, has been arrested for allegedly carrying out reconnaissance of sensitive locations in Mumbai. According to officials, Singh was tasked by international criminal syndicates and anti-national elements to scout areas in South Mumbai, specifically around Colaba.
Singh admitted to police that he was instructed by social media handlers linked to subversive elements and mafia gangs to photograph and pinpoint the exact locations of the Chabad House, businesses owned by Jewish individuals, and areas frequented by foreign nationals. He reportedly received payment for these activities. The Chabad House was previously targeted during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
Initially detained by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) due to his social media contacts, Singh was later arrested by the Thrissur police from Kerala. Investigations revealed he used Telegram to communicate with anti-national elements, linking him to another accused in a UAPA case registered at the Thrissur East police station.
Officials stated that overseas crime syndicates, including the Pakistan-based ‘Shahzad Bhatti Network’, utilize platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram to recruit financially vulnerable and unemployed youth for subversive activities and reconnaissance.
