Anti‑Terror Squad Finds Ongoing Spread of Extremist Material, Maharashtra Acts

Maharashtra’s Home Department, acting on evidence gathered by Mumbai’s Anti‑Terror Squad (ATS), announced a blanket ban on 114 extremist publications that have been identified as conduits for terror propaganda. The Gazette notification, issued on August 7, directs the immediate confiscation of all printed and digital versions of the listed titles under BNSS 2023 provisions.

The ATS, in collaboration with intelligence services, monitored online channels and intercepted communications that pointed to a systematic distribution network for radical literature. The seized material was found to glorify violent extremism, promote recruitment into unlawful groups, and undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India.

Earlier, on March 17, the Police Commissioner of Mumbai had written to the state government, urging the seizure of several newspapers, books and other documents that were being used to disseminate anti‑national content. The present ban is the culmination of that advisory, aimed at eliminating the threat to public order and state security.

Authorities have asked media houses, printing presses, and internet service providers to assist in the enforcement of the order, emphasizing that the restriction targets only content that poses a direct threat to national security while preserving the right to free expression for legitimate journalism.