21 locations in Maharashtra raided in probe into extremism

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Sunday (February 15, 2026) launched a search operation across 21 locations in Yavatmal and Ahilyanagar districts over alleged extremist activities, questioning 14 suspects. No arrest was made; documents and electronic gadgets were seized.

Raids were conducted in Umarkhed and Pusad in Yavatmal over the suspicion that certain individuals were in contact with terrorist organisations, radicalising youths. 

“A total of 21 locations were raided, among which 14 are in Yavatmal, and the rest are in Ahilyanagar,” the Maharashtra ATS said in a statement, which also said: “Search warrants were executed at the 12 locations in Ahilyanagar, where swords were seized, whereas in Yavatmal district, at least 14 suspects were questioned and objectionable electronic gadgets and CCTV equipment were seized, and have been examined.”

“House searches have been carried out at 13 locations in Yavatmal’s Pusad, and one in Umarkhed, which are highly sensitive areas. The ATS has been keeping watch on their movement for days and has now initiated the searches. The ATS has seized their documents, laptops, books, and mobile phones over objectionable content. The search started early in the morning, around 3 a.m., and ended at 12 p.m. on Sunday. We provided bandobast to them to avoid untoward events,” Yavatmal Superintendent of Police Kumar Chintha said. 

“No arrests have been made in this operation so far, and detailed probing of suspects is ongoing,” the Maharashtra ATS said.

The ATS team searched within the jurisdiction of the Vasant Nagar police station in Pusad city. The searches met all legal requirements, the officer said.