20-yr-old man held for conducting reconnaissance of 26/11 target Chabad House in Mumbai

A 20-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly conducting reconnaissance of sensitive locations in Mumbai, including the Chabad House, a Jewish community centre, on the instructions of international criminal syndicates and anti-national elements, an official said on Saturday.

The accused, identified as Yash Singh, a resident of Airoli in Navi Mumbai, was initially detained by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) following inputs about his alleged social media links with anti-national handlers. He was subsequently taken into custody by the Keralam police in connection with a case registered in Thrissur district, the official said.

During questioning, Singh allegedly told investigators that he had been tasked by social media handlers linked to mafia gangs and subversive elements with conducting reconnaissance of sensitive areas in South Mumbai, particularly Colaba. His assignments included photographing and identifying the exact locations of Chabad House, businesses owned by Jewish individuals and areas frequented by foreign nationals. He allegedly received money in return for carrying out these activities, the official said.

Chabad House was among the locations targeted by Pakistani terrorists during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008. Further investigation revealed that Singh was allegedly in direct contact with anti-national elements through the messaging platform Telegram. Investigators also found links between him and an accused already arrested in a case registered at Thrissur East police station under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Following inputs from the Maharashtra ATS, a team of Thrissur police arrived in Navi Mumbai and formally arrested Singh after confirming his alleged involvement in the conspiracy, the official said.

According to officials, criminal syndicates operating from abroad, including the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network, have been using platforms such as Telegram, Instagram and WhatsApp to target unemployed and financially vulnerable youths for reconnaissance and other subversive activities. ATS officials have urged parents and young citizens to remain vigilant, avoid engaging with unknown contacts online and refrain from sharing photographs or information about sensitive locations in exchange for money.