'Safe’ psychological trap: How 19 vulnerable women were drawn into extremism by Dr Shaheen Shahid's manipulative speeches

KANPUR: Investigators from Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), central intelligence units, and district police are conducting an extensive search for 19 women from Kanpur and adjoining districts who were reportedly in contact with arrested Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative Dr Shaheen Shahid. Officials suspect that these women were radicalised or heavily influenced by her speeches, which authorities describe as provocative and manipulative. According to sources, the ATS widened its search after retrieving digital evidence — including voice notes, videos, contact lists, and follow-up communication — indicating that Dr Shaheen maintained a structured outreach network targeting vulnerable women, especially those who were isolated, unemployed, or dealing with personal distress.