Mumbai, August 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Maharashtra government has ordered the immediate forfeiture of more than 100 publications, manuals, magazines and digital propaganda materials allegedly linked to banned terrorist organisations, including Islamic State (ISIS/ISKP), Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).
The Home Department issued the notification in the Maharashtra government gazette on August 6 under Notification No. SUT-0526/CR.276/SPL-4. The action has been taken under Section 98(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
According to the notification, the move followed intelligence inputs, cyber surveillance and investigations by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The department said the ATS had submitted a report to the government through a letter dated March 17.
Authorities alleged that the listed material contains extremist and jihadi propaganda intended to promote radicalisation, facilitate recruitment and incite activities considered prejudicial to India’s sovereignty, integrity and public order. The government said the material could attract offences under Sections 152, 196, 197 and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
The notification lists 114 titles and other instructional materials for forfeiture. These include 47 issues of ‘Voice of Khurasan’ associated with Islamic State/ISIS/ISKP, along with other propaganda material attributed to the group.
The list also includes 17 editions of ‘The Revolutionary Resurgence’, associated with Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, and publications linked to Al-Qaeda/AQIS and regional outfits, including ‘Kashmir Kifah – Resilience & Courage’, ‘The Soul Of Resistance’ and ‘Nawai Gazwa e Hind’.
A separate category covers alleged instructional warfare and operational manuals dealing with explosives, weapons, anonymity and operational security.
Under the forfeiture order, police authorities can seize physical and digital copies of the listed material wherever they are found. The notification also allows magistrates to issue search warrants authorising police officers of the rank of Sub-Inspector or above to search premises where the material is suspected to be stored or distributed.
The state government said restricting access to such material across physical, electronic and social media platforms was necessary to counter radicalisation and protect vulnerable young people from extremist recruitment networks.
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