Mumbai: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) carried out a major search operation on Sunday morning, conducting coordinated raids at nearly 21 locations across the districts of Yavatmal and Ahilyanagar following intelligence inputs related to suspected extremist activities.

The ATS teams reportedly searched 14 locations in the Pusad and Umarkhed areas of Yavatmal and 7 locations in Ahilyanagar district.

Investigators are said to be examining documents, digital devices and other materials as part of the ongoing inquiry. Authorities have not yet confirmed any arrests or seizures linked to the latest operation.

Ongoing focus on anti-terror investigations

The large-scale action comes amid continued anti-terror investigations in Maharashtra and other states. Earlier this year, a joint operation involving Maharashtra ATS and Uttar Pradesh ATS led to the arrest of an accused from Nagpur in connection with an alleged religious conversion racket under investigation in Uttar Pradesh.

Officials said the suspect was believed to have played a role in managing logistical and financial activities connected to the network.

Link to past terror investigations

In October last year, Maharashtra ATS, along with Pune Police, had conducted searches at multiple locations across Pune in connection with the Pune ISIS module case. The probe involved allegations of radicalisation, recruitment and terror-related activities.

According to a press statement issued by Maharashtra ATS, "In connection with the investigation of the accused arrested in C.R. no. 7/2023 of ATS, the anti-terrorism squad (ATS), Maharashtra state, Mumbai, on 09/10/2025, conducted searches and inquiries at the houses and offices of 19 suspected individuals in the areas of Kondhwa, Khadak, Khadki, Wanwadi, and Bhosari."

The case was linked to the arrest of several individuals accused of being part of a sleeper ISIS module operating in Maharashtra

During the operation, teams from ATS Mumbai and Pune police conducted simultaneous searches to uncover digital evidence, documents, and communication devices possibly linked to the module's network. ATS took a few suspects into custody for questioning.