The arrest of Ayan Yusuf Shaikh, largely based on digital evidence, and accusing him of terrorism, is being widely questioned
Mumbai: The detention of a 19-year-old engineering student by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has drawn attention to the evidence cited by investigators and the legal process followed in the case. The student’s family and lawyers have questioned the basis of the allegations, arguing that the investigation relies heavily on the interpretation of online activity and digital material, according to a report by The Wire.
Ayan Yusuf Shaikh, a second-year Computer Engineering student at Kalsekar College in Mumbra, was arrested on March 4, 2026. According to investigators, his activity on social media platforms and certain files found on his electronic devices suggest exposure to extremist ideological content.
The ATS claims Shaikh was active on platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp and Instagram, where he allegedly participated in discussions on political and religious issues. In its remand application, the agency stated that several texts recovered from his devices contain content it considers ideologically motivated or linked to militant interpretations of Islam.
The titles cited by investigators include Kashmir Kifah, a hadith related to Ghazwa, Revolutionary Resurgence, The Method of Establishing Khilafah, English Jihad in Islam and Fazail-e-Jihad, a work attributed to Masood Azhar. Authorities contend that the possession or circulation of such literature points to exposure to radical propaganda.
The ATS has further alleged that Shaikh may have been influenced by or linked to the banned organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed and that he circulated literature associated with the group while expressing support for its ideology. However, many of the materials referenced in the case are publicly accessible online.
Family members said the arrest came as a shock. Shaikh’s father said police had made inquiries about his son roughly a year ago, but the family believed the matter had ended since no action followed at that time.
Shaikh’s legal team has challenged the interpretation of the digital material cited by investigators, arguing that the case is largely built on assumptions about intent rather than evidence of concrete steps toward committing a crime. They maintain that the allegations do not demonstrate preparation, attempt or execution of any offence.