The ISIS sleeper module case in Pune has been under investigation for several months, following intelligence inputs about the presence and activities of radicalized individuals suspected of planning attacks and recruiting for the banned terrorist organization. The module was believed to be involved in spreading extremist ideology, recruiting vulnerable youth, and plotting potential acts of terror in urban centers.
Earlier investigations had led to the arrest of several suspects in Pune and nearby areas, but two key accused had managed to evade authorities, prompting a nationwide manhunt.
On May 17, 2025, acting on specific intelligence, NIA teams conducted a meticulously planned operation in Mumbai. The two fugitives, whose identities are being withheld pending further investigation, were apprehended from a residential locality where they had been hiding under assumed identities.
The NIA has confirmed that both individuals are closely linked to the core activities of the Pune ISIS sleeper module, including logistical support, recruitment, and communication with handlers outside India.
During the operation, NIA officials reportedly seized:
Electronic devices, including mobile phones and laptops
Documents and digital evidence related to ISIS propaganda and recruitment
Materials suspected to be used for radicalization and operational planning
All seized items are being sent for forensic analysis to uncover further links and potential collaborators.
The arrest of these two fugitives is seen as a major blow to ISIS-linked terror networks in Maharashtra. According to NIA officials, the dismantling of this module will help prevent possible attacks and curb the spread of extremist ideology in the region. Security experts have praised the NIA’s swift action, noting that sleeper modules pose a unique threat as they operate covertly, often blending into local communities while awaiting instructions for terror activities.
The NIA has stated that investigations are ongoing to identify additional members and supporters of the module. The agency is also working closely with Maharashtra Police and central intelligence agencies to track funding sources, communication channels, and any potential links to international terror outfits. Authorities have appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, emphasizing that community cooperation is vital in the fight against terrorism.
The arrests have been widely welcomed by Pune residents, civic leaders, and political representatives, who have called for continued vigilance and robust counter-terrorism measures. The operation has also sparked renewed discussions on the need for stronger community policing and deradicalization programs to prevent youth from falling prey to extremist propaganda.
