Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has made another arrest in its ongoing investigation into an alleged radicalisation network with suspected connections to Pakistan, apprehending a suspect from neighbouring Uttar Pradesh.
Latest Arrest Details
Officials confirmed that Naeem Qureshi, a resident of Nanota town in Saharanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, has been arrested in connection with the case being probed by the ATS. The development follows leads generated during the interrogation of a previously detained individual and analysis of digital evidence recovered during the investigation.
Previous Arrest
Earlier, the ATS had detained Mohammad Faraj alias Khalid Saifullah, a 34-year-old Bhopal resident from Congress Nagar, for allegedly maintaining links with Pakistan-based radical handlers. He is accused of consuming extremist propaganda and attempting to spread anti-India ideology through digital platforms.
Investigation Scope Expands
According to sources, the arrest of Naeem Qureshi stems from clues obtained during the interrogation of the first accused and scrutiny of digital evidence. ATS officials suspect the accused were part of a broader online ecosystem involving radical content consumption and communication with suspected foreign-based handlers.
Investigators are currently examining digital devices, online communications, and financial transactions to determine the nature and extent of the alleged links. The probe has now widened into an inter-state investigation, with agencies looking into whether more individuals were connected to the network.
Legal Proceedings
Officials stated that the Uttar Pradesh-based accused will be brought to Madhya Pradesh for further interrogation after completing legal formalities, including obtaining transit remand. The ATS is maintaining operational secrecy due to the sensitive nature of the case.
ATS officials indicated that further arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses. The case first emerged after intelligence inputs flagged suspicious online activity allegedly linked to Pakistan-based operatives, prompting the ATS to launch surveillance and initiate a detailed probe.
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