The pre-dawn search operation conducted by the Maharashtra ATS and local police in the Padgha area of Bhiwandi on Monday was based on confidential intelligence suggesting ongoing anti-national activities.

According to a senior Maharashtra ATS officer, the family members and close associates of convicted terrorist Saquib Nachan had been actively supporting a sleeper cell in Borivli village, Padgha, where several youths were being identified for recruitment into subversive anti-national activities. “We have received credible information from our sources that Nachan’s family and associates are desperately trying to expand their network by recruiting local youth in Bhiwandi,” said the officer.