Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a madrasa operator from Bihar in a suspected inter-state radicalisation case, taking the total number of arrests in the module to four, officials said.
The arrest was made on Monday from Madhubani district in Bihar. The accused has been identified as 56-year-old Izhar Ulhaq, who runs a madrasa in the area. He was taken into custody with the help of Bihar ATS and local police.
"Izhar Ulhaq was apprehended from Madhubani with the assistance of Bihar ATS and local police. He runs a madrasa there," an official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
He was produced before a Madhubani court and is expected to be brought to Madhya Pradesh on transit remand. Officials said he will be brought to the state by Wednesday. However, they added that it is too early to say if he played a central role in the alleged module.
"It is premature to say whether he was the kingpin of the module, taking into account his age. His role will become clearer after questioning," the official added.
The case first came to light on Friday when MP ATS arrested Bhopal resident Mohd Faraz (35) from Qazi Camp area. After that, two more arrests followed in separate states.
Nayeem Abdullah Qureshi (38) was arrested from Nanauta in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district, while Mohd Shakir (34) was arrested from Alwar in Rajasthan. The operations involved coordination between MP ATS, other state ATS units, UP Special Task Force and central intelligence agencies.
Officials said Qureshi was arrested in a joint operation involving MP and UP ATS, UP STF and central agencies, while Shakir was held by teams of MP and Rajasthan ATS.
According to investigators, the accused were part of a closed online group allegedly operated by a Pakistan-based handler using encrypted messaging platforms.
The investigation began after central intelligence agencies flagged inputs about online groups allegedly being used to radicalise and recruit people in India.
Investigators said Faraz, who is a graduate and works at a private homoeopathic clinic in Bhopal, was in contact with members of the network and was allegedly influenced through online communication.
They also said Qureshi had introduced Faraz to the online group around two years ago. The two reportedly studied together at a madrasa in Deoband in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district.
The ATS has recovered electronic devices and digital material, including extremist literature and videos allegedly shared within the group. Officials said the probe is still underway to understand the full network and possible links.
Faraz and Qureshi have been sent to MP ATS custody till June 16, while Shakir has been remanded to ATS custody till June 20, officials said.
