The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Sunday (February 15, 2026) launched a search operation throughout 21 areas in Yavatmal and Ahilyanagar districts over alleged extremist actions, questioning 14 suspects. No arrest was made; paperwork and digital devices have been seized.
Raids have been carried out in Umarkhed and Pusad in Yavatmal over the suspicion that sure people have been involved 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 stated in a press release, which additionally stated: “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 stated.
“No arrests have been made in this operation so far, and detailed probing of suspects is ongoing,” the Maharashtra ATS stated.
The ATS staff searched inside the jurisdiction of the Vasant Nagar police station in Pusad metropolis. The searches met all authorized necessities, the officer stated.