Maharashtra
Pune ISIS Module: NIA Arrests Key Operatives After 2-Year International Manhunt
Mumbai: In a major breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday arrested two absconding accused Abdul Fayaz Sheikh and Talha Liyakat Khan who were identified as key members of a sleeper module of the banned terrorist organization ISIS. The arrests are linked to a 2023 case involving the fabrication and testing of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Pune, Maharashtra.
The duo, who had fled the country in 2022 to evade arrest, were declared fugitives by the agency. The NIA had announced a cash reward of ₹3 lakh each for information leading to their capture. Acting on intelligence inputs, the Bureau of Immigration intercepted the accused at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Terminal 2) when they arrived from Jakarta, Indonesia, where they had been hiding. They were immediately taken into custody by the NIA team and are expected to be produced before a special NIA court shortly.
According to investigators, the duo had meticulously planned their escape after the ISIS module operating out of Pune was busted in 2022. That crackdown led to multiple arrests, including that of Shamil Nachan, son of convicted terrorist Saquib Nachan, who had been designated the Amir-e-Hind (chief of ISIS in India).
Sources revealed that both accused fled along with their families. Talha Khan’s wife and infant daughter left for Oman on May 2, 2022, followed by Khan himself on August 12. Likewise, Fayaz Sheikh’s wife and two children departed for Oman on June 12, while Sheikh left on July 15. Their coordinated flight with their families complicated the investigation and necessitated sustained diplomatic and intelligence cooperation with foreign agencies.
The NIA sources stated that both Sheikh and Khan were radicalized and were working under the instructions of the Ratlam-based ISIS module “Al Sufa,” led by arrested mastermind Imran Khan. Acting on his direction, the duo played a key role in organizing a secret IED workshop in Pune and inviting other ISIS operatives to participate.
The accused were actively involved in propagating the violent and extremist ideology of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and engaged in preparatory acts of terrorist violence, including recruiting individuals to the organization. They had also pledged allegiance (Bayat) to the self-styled Khalifa (leader) of ISIS.
According to the NIA, both Abdul Fayaz Sheikh and Talha Liyakat Khan, along with eight other members of the ISIS Pune sleeper module who are already under arrest and in judicial custody, had conspired to carry out terrorist acts aimed at disturbing India’s peace and communal harmony. The agency stated that the group intended to wage war against the Government of India in pursuit of ISIS’s radical objective of establishing Islamic rule in the country through violence and terror.
According to the NIA chargesheet, the investigation into the ISIS Pune terror module uncovered a secret workshop for the fabrication, creation, and testing of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) held at a shop owned by accused Fayaz Sheikh. Sheikh, widely known as “Diaperwala” for running a diaper store in Pune’s Kondhwa area, hosted the clandestine session in April 2022.All members of the Pune ISIS terror module including arrested accused Zulfikar Ali Barodawala, Mohammed Imran Khan, Mohammed Yunus Saki, Simab Nasiruddin Kazi, and Abdul Kadir Pathan, among others reportedly participated in the workshop.
Arrested accused Shamil Nachan and Akif Nachan traveled to Pune carrying explosive chemicals and processed powder to participate in the IED manufacturing and training exercise. The duo stayed overnight at Sheikh’s residence along with the explosive materials during their visit.
Another suspected absconding accused, Talha Liyakat Khan, is also a resident of Pune and is associated with Fayaz Sheikh (Diaperwala). He too is believed to be a participant in the ISIS Maharashtra terror module and played a major role in organizing the IED workshop.
According to reliable sources, both Fayaz Sheikh and Talha Liyakat Khan were radicalized and, under the instructions of the Ratlam-based ISIS terror module, “Al Sufa,” mastermind and arrested accused Imran Khan arranged the IED workshop and invited other terror suspects to participate. Once intelligence confirmed their presence in Oman, the NIA initiated extradition proceedings through the Ministry of External Affairs, sharing all necessary documentation and case files with Omani authorities. Officials believe that their custody and interrogation will help unravel the full extent of the ISIS-linked network and the group’s operational plans in Maharashtra and beyond.
The case forms part of a broader investigation into ISIS modules operating in India, with several arrests already made and multiple digital devices, explosive materials, and radical literature seized during raids.
Maharashtra
Social media influencer Lala Lifestyle Mohsin Khan files complaint against four people in Nagpara Police

Mumbai: Social activist and social media lifestyle influencer Mohsin Khan alias Lala Lifestyle has filed a written complaint under Section 173(1) of the BNSS, 2023 at Nagpara Police Station seeking registration of an FIR against four persons for alleged caste-based harassment and criminal offences. Those against whom Lala Lifestyle has filed the complaint include Moin Batla son of Asif Batla, (2) Shoaib Tiger son of Zubair, (3) Sharukh Pathan, and (4) an unknown person. Khan has invoked the provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, namely Sections 3(1)(r), 3(1)(s), 3(1)(u), 3(1)(za) and 3(2)(va)* along with Sections 61, 196, B196, B13,53 2023, and the IT Act, A complaint under Section 67 of 2000 has been registered. In addition, FIR No. 0154 of 2026 has already been registered at Dongri Police Station on 12/03/2026. As per the complaint, the accused was allegedly involved in caste-based humiliation, criminal threats and circulation of obscene electronic material. Khan has submitted electronic evidence and has sought police protection citing threats from the accused. Nagpara Police has confirmed receipt of the complaint. Further investigation is pending.
Crime
Maha govt orders probe into Pranit More’s videos on social media, digital platforms

Mumbai, June 14: The controversy surrounding alleged objectionable remarks made during stand-up comedian Pranit More’s show has further intensified as the Maharashtra Home Department has directed a detailed investigation into the video content available on his social media accounts and other digital platforms.
The investigation has been handed over to the Maharashtra Cyber Police. The cyber team will now examine videos from various shows of the comedian, viral video clips, and other online content as part of the probe.
Meanwhile, Pranit More issued an apology on Saturday amid mounting criticism over the viral “Rs 370 Biryani” clip, saying he deserved the backlash and requested people to give him one more chance.
In a video shared on Instagram, More said: “I wanted to talk to all of you about this, but my Instagram account was suspended. You have seen the crowd-work video circulating on social media, and I have been receiving a lot of hate because of it.”
The comedian admitted that he made a mistake by not intervening when inappropriate remarks were made during the performance.
“I feel I deserve this hate. During the crowd-work session, the man made several derogatory comments. Everyone was laughing, and I, too, got carried away. It was a lapse in judgment. I believe it was my biggest mistake. I could have taken a stand at that moment, but I did not,” he said.
More acknowledged that his reaction gave the remarks a platform and allowed the situation to escalate.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday summoned More and web developer Himanshu Jangra over remarks allegedly made during a stand-up comedy show in Gurugram. The commission stated that the comments appeared to glorify sexual coercion and non-consensual conduct towards a woman.
Significantly, KEM Hospital and Seth G.S. Medical College on Saturday sent MBBS student Sejal Pawar on a 15-day forced leave on Saturday following a controversy surrounding a viral social media video in which she allegedly made objectionable remarks during the same stand-up comedy show.
Maharashtra
Mumbai: Dr. Sejal Pawar goes on leave due to controversial statements and comments, KEM Hospital takes strict action even before investigation

Mumbai: Student Dr. Sejal at a comedy event Sejal has been sent on 15-day leave along with a departmental inquiry and further action will be taken only after its final report. Institutional action in the matter related to Dr. Sejal Pawar.
Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital have taken due cognizance of the public concern arising out of the remarks made by MBBS third year student Sejal Pawar during a comedy event and the subsequent circulation of the related video material on social media platforms.
Immediately after receiving the complaints, the institute initiated a preliminary fact-finding process. The concerned student was called, his explanation/apology was taken on record, and the relevant material was reviewed. In view of the preliminary findings, the sensitivity of the matter, and the need to maintain the dignity of deceased persons, body donors and the professional standards expected of medical students, an interim disciplinary/administrative order has been issued against Pawar today.
Accordingly, Pawar has been placed on compulsory leave for a period of 15 days, with effect from May 13, pending detailed inquiry and further orders. At 10:30 am today, he was entrusted with the care and supervision of his parents/guardians during the said period. He has also been directed to cooperate fully with the institutional inquiry and to be available in person or through online mode whenever called by the inquiry committee.
A proposal has also been made to constitute a comprehensive five-member inquiry committee comprising senior faculty, one external/non-faculty member and appropriate institutional representation. The committee is expected to examine the facts, context, implications and relevant records including the aspect of social media circulation and make its reasoned recommendations for further action. The Institute reiterates that respect for patients, deceased, body donors and their families is a core value of medical education. The matter will be dealt with seriousness, sensitivity and due process with fairness. Further action will be taken as per applicable NMC MUHS, BMC and institutional norms after receipt of detailed inquiry report.
No final conclusion should be drawn at this stage, as a comprehensive inquiry is currently underway.
-
Crime4 years agoClass 10 student jumps to death in Jaipur
-
Maharashtra2 years agoMumbai Local Train Update: Central Railway’s New Timetable Comes Into Effect; Check Full List Of Revised Timings & Stations
-
Maharashtra2 years agoMumbai To Go Toll-Free Tonight! Maharashtra Govt Announces Complete Toll Waiver For Light Motor Vehicles At All 5 Entry Points Of City
-
Maharashtra2 years agoFalse photo of Imtiaz Jaleel’s rally, exposing the fooling conspiracy
-
National News2 years agoMinistry of Railways rolls out Special Drive 4.0 with focus on digitisation, cleanliness, inclusiveness and grievance redressal
-
Maharashtra2 years agoMaharashtra Elections 2024: Mumbai Metro & BEST Services Extended Till Midnight On Voting Day
-
National News2 years agoJ&K: 4 Jawans Killed, 28 Injured After Bus Carrying BSF Personnel For Poll Duty Falls Into Gorge In Budgam; Terrifying Visuals Surface
-
Crime2 years agoBaba Siddique Murder: Mumbai Police Unable To Get Lawrence Bishnoi Custody Due To Home Ministry Order, Says Report
