Mumbai : Security agencies have arrested a 20-year-old man in Navi Mumbai for allegedly conducting reconnaissance of Nariman House in Mumbai’s Colaba, a Jewish centre targeted during the 26/11 terror attacks.
The accused, identified as Yash Singh, reportedly carried out surveillance at the direction of foreign-based handlers and allegedly shared photographs, vehicle registration numbers and GPS coordinates of Jewish residents, foreign nationals and their establishments.
ATS–Kerala Police Joint Operation
The arrest was made on November 14 following a coordinated operation involving the Navi Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Kerala Police.
Investigators reportedly traced Singh’s activities to an ongoing UAPA case registered in Thrissur, Kerala. Following intelligence inputs and verification, a Kerala Police team travelled to Navi Mumbai and took him into custody.
Alleged Links to Foreign Networks
According to investigators, transnational criminal and terror networks are allegedly using social media platforms, including Telegram, Instagram and WhatsApp, to recruit vulnerable young people.
The networks reportedly offer money to individuals for gathering sensitive information and conducting surveillance of potential targets. Singh is suspected of sharing intelligence with foreign handlers, with investigators examining alleged links to networks associated with Pakistani operative Shahzad Bhatti.
Why Nariman House Remains a Sensitive Target
Nariman House, also known as Chabad House, was among the locations attacked during the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
Two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists stormed the Jewish centre during the three-day siege that claimed at least 166 lives across Mumbai. Six hostages were killed inside the building, including Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his pregnant wife, Rivka.
Their two-year-old son, Moshe, survived after being rescued by his nanny, Sandra Samuels.
The latest arrest has once again brought the security of sensitive establishments in Mumbai into focus. Investigations are underway to establish the full extent of the alleged network and identify other possible links.
The allegations against the accused remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
