Thane: Two Arrested For Promoting Anti-National Sentiments, Sharia Law Agenda

Last Updated:August 05, 2025, 13:19 IST

The men were allegedly active members of a radical WhatsApp group named "Reviving Islam"

The accused were identified as Ajmal Ali, a resident of Amroha in UP, and Dr Usama Maz Shaikh, a homoeopath from Badlapur in Thane district.

Two men were arrested in Maharashtra’s Thane district for their alleged involvement in promoting anti-national sentiments and planning to enforce Sharia law in India.

Officials said on Monday that the arrests were made during a joint operation by the Anti-Terrorism Squads (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

The accused, identified as Ajmal Ali, a resident of Amroha in Uttar Pradesh, and Dr Usama Maz Shaikh, a homoeopath from Badlapur in Thane district, were allegedly active members of a radical WhatsApp group named “Reviving Islam". The group reportedly had around 400 members, including three administrators, most of whom were Pakistani nationals.

According to officials, the group was used to circulate extremist content, promote radical ideology, and discuss violent jihad. Investigators found that some members of the group were in regular contact with Pakistani operatives. One Indian phone number linked to the group led ATS teams to Ajmal Ali.

Ajmal was called in for questioning at the UP ATS headquarters, where he confessed to spreading radical messages targeting non-Muslims and sharing anti-India content across platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Signal.

He also revealed his close connection with Dr Usama Shaikh, whom he referred to as his mentor. Their conversations allegedly included discussions on toppling the elected government and establishing Sharia rule.

Based on this information, a case was registered by the UP ATS on August 1, under Sections 148 and 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Ajmal was arrested and remanded to judicial custody.

Later, in coordination with Maharashtra ATS, Dr Usama Shaikh was arrested from Badlapur on August 4. Both accused were found to be actively involved in radicalising Muslim youth, inciting communal hatred, and promoting calls for a so-called ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’ (holy war for India).

Officials confirmed that the two were handed over to the UP ATS, which is continuing further investigation to trace other members linked to the conspiracy.

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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Maharashtra, India, India

First Published:

August 05, 2025, 13:16 IST

News india Thane: Two Arrested For Promoting Anti-National Sentiments, Sharia Law Agenda

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