Bijnor Resident Apprehended at Delhi Airport in Terror Network Investigation
A man from Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor district, identified as Majul (first name only), was taken into custody by authorities at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Saturday. The arrest occurred immediately following his arrival from South Africa, where he had been employed at a salon for the past five years.
Lookout Circular and Broader Network Uncovered
According to police officials, a lookout circular had been previously issued for Majul as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged terror module. The case initially surfaced on April 2 when the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) disclosed details of a suspected broader network. This revelation came after the arrest of four suspects in Lucknow.
As investigators worked to unravel the network's connections, police in Bijnor apprehended two local residents, Uwaid Malik and Jalal Haider, in early April. Subsequently, on April 15, Sameer alias Mohd Ruhan from Najibabad was also taken into custody.
Instagram Live Stream Showing Weapons Raises Alarms
A significant development in the investigation involved an Instagram live stream that surfaced last November. The video purportedly showed some individuals displaying an AK-47 rifle and hand grenades, which raised serious security concerns among law enforcement agencies.
Police sources familiar with the case revealed that Majul was present during that video call along with other individuals identified as Aqib and Azad. According to investigators, Aqib is believed to be currently located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while Azad is thought to be in Saudi Arabia.
International Connections and Online Activities
A senior police officer with knowledge of the investigation stated that the men were allegedly in contact with Pakistani handlers and were using Instagram as a platform to spread provocative content online. This digital activity formed a crucial part of the evidence against the network.
Interestingly, Majul had previously received a clean chit in the case specifically linked to the Instagram video. At that time, a First Information Report (FIR) had been registered against him under the Arms Act and Information Technology Act. However, his name resurfaced as ATS officers continued their investigation into the broader network, leading to the issuance of the lookout notice that ultimately resulted in his arrest at the airport.
The arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by Indian security agencies to monitor and dismantle suspected terror networks, particularly those utilizing social media platforms for communication and propaganda purposes. The case continues to develop as investigators pursue leads regarding the international connections and the full extent of the alleged network's activities.
