Kerala activist arrested for terror charges using dark web, confirms ATS

A 26-year-old student activist and self-proclaimed independent journalist from Kerala, Rejaz M Sheeba Sydeek, has been arrested on terror-related charges for allegedly preparing to wage war against the Government of India. The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) confirmed that Sydeek was active on the dark web and used the platform to post inflammatory and provocative content.

Sydeek was arrested on May 7 from a hotel in Nagpur, where he was reportedly staying after posting social media content against Operation Sindoor—the Indian military’s retaliatory strike on terror camps in Pakistan and PoJK. He had also criticised anti-Naxal operations. His digital activities had been under surveillance for some time before his arrest.

Following his arrest, ATS officials raided his residence in Kerala's Ernakulam district on May 11 and seized several incriminating documents. An initial analysis of his digital devices confirmed his presence on the dark web. Authorities stated that he used the anonymous space to further spread content deemed provocative and anti-national. The devices have been sent for cyber-forensic examination to gather more evidence.

Officials said that Sydeek had shared an image online in which he was holding a firearm after visiting a rifle shop in Nagpur. This, combined with his online commentary, contributed to the police charging him under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those related to waging war, incitement to riot, and criminal intimidation.

In the ongoing investigation, charges under sections 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act—pertaining to association with and support for terrorist organisations—have also been added. The case, initially handled by Lakadganj police, has now been officially transferred to the Maharashtra ATS for further probe.