Man planning 'lone-wolf' attacks on security forces helped kin of slain SIMI activists: MP ATS

Faizan Sheikh, a 34-year-old mechanic, was arrested by the Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) for allegedly planning lone-wolf attacks on security forces. Sheikh, influenced by the Indian Mujahideen (IM) and Islamic State (IS), was helping families of eight SIMI activists killed in a 2016 police encounter. ATS Inspector General Ashish stated that Sheikh conducted reconnaissance for attacks and was highly radicalized. The ATS recovered weapons, mobile phones, and extremist literature from him. Sheikh has been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and was allegedly in touch with gunrunners and SIMI operatives.