Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 1: Family members of two Maharashtra youths arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell in connection with an alleged terror module linked to Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI and a Pakistan-based gangster have claimed the duo was lured by the promise of easy money and had no intention of engaging in terror activities.

Sajid Shaikh alias Arbaz Khan from Mumbai and Tauqeer Shaikh from Mumbra in Thane district are among eight persons arrested in the case. Investigators allege the network was operated by Pakistan-based social media influencer and alleged gangster Shahzad Bhatti, who is suspected of attempting to expand his network in India by radicalising unemployed youth and offering financial incentives for terror-related activities.

According to Delhi Police, the accused were allegedly being radicalised and funded through online channels as part of a larger conspiracy to carry out terror activities in Delhi, Mumbai and other cities.

However, relatives of the two accused have denied any terror links and claimed they were drawn into the racket through online contacts offering money transfers.

Sajid's maternal uncle, Iqbal Shaikh, said the youth had struggled with drug addiction since his teenage years and had been expelled from the family home around four months ago because of his substance abuse.

"Arbaz had developed a drug addiction when he was around 15 years old. I admitted him to a de-addiction centre in Titwala and spent money on his treatment, but there was no significant improvement," he said.

Sajid lost his father at a young age, while his mother died of tuberculosis around six years ago. Following her death, he lived with his grandmother in a rented house near the Burma railway track in Kurla (East).

According to his uncle, Sajid left the rehabilitation centre after returning home for his grandmother's funeral and never resumed treatment.

"I tried my best to put him on the right path, but he remained under the influence of drugs and was irregular at work. Eventually, I asked him to leave the house if he was unwilling to quit his addiction," Iqbal Shaikh said.

Another relative alleged that the chain of events began when a Mumbra resident identified as Ujefa allegedly informed local youths about an online network that was distributing money.

According to the family, Sajid and Tauqeer agreed to receive funds in their bank accounts believing they could simply accept the money and then block the sender.

"Sajid allegedly received Rs 25,000 in his bank account. They thought it was easy money and never imagined the matter would escalate to this level," a relative claimed.

Neighbours echoed similar sentiments, alleging that the youths were attracted by the prospect of quick cash.

Tauqeer's paternal aunt, Sher Bano, also claimed her nephew had received Rs 21,000 from an online contact introduced through Ujefa.

"The incident came to light only when Delhi Police arrived for inquiries. Tauqeer told us he received money and then blocked the sender's number. I knew Sajid as well, and neither of them has any previous police record," she said.

Tauqeer, a crane operator, lives with his parents in Mumbra. His family has denied allegations linking him to Shahzad Bhatti.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police are continuing their investigation into the alleged terror network, focusing on financial transactions, digital communications and possible links between the accused, foreign-based handlers and underworld operatives.

Investigators suspect the accused were being systematically recruited and funded through online channels, while the Special Cell is examining the alleged role of overseas handlers in the conspiracy. The probe remains ongoing.