Engineering student Ayan Sheikh, who was arrested by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), was produced before a court for the third time on Thursday.
Seeking eight days of custody, the ATS informed the court that the accused was part of a Telegram group on social media where he allegedly promoted the ideology of certain banned organisations.
According to the ATS, the group also had members from several foreign countries, and Ayan was allegedly involved in activities along with them that are considered unlawful under Indian law.
The ATS told the court that the name of the group was “Islamic Politics” and that the agency had been monitoring it for several days. Investigators said multiple posts promoting banned organisations were being shared in the group, which Ayan allegedly liked and also tagged other individuals in, encouraging them to read the content.
The agency further informed the court that several members were part of the group, and it needs to obtain more information about them through the accused.
During the investigation, the ATS seized two mobile phones and a laptop from Ayan. The agency also told the court that he was operating eight different email IDs, which are yet to be examined. Officials added that some procedural documentation, including the panchnama of certain materials, is still pending, and therefore custodial interrogation is required.
Meanwhile, Ayan’s lawyer, Ibrahim K. M., argued before the court that all allegations against his client are false. He contended that merely being a member of a Telegram group does not justify arrest under the UAPA.
After hearing both sides, the court remanded Ayan Sheikh to ATS custody until March 16.