Pakistan-Linked Handler in Saudi Arabia Building India Network via Social Media: UP Police
In a significant development, two individuals apprehended in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor district have disclosed to law enforcement that a handler with alleged connections to Pakistan is actively attempting to establish a network within India through the utilization of social media platforms. According to police statements released on Saturday, this handler is presently operating from Saudi Arabia and has been systematically reaching out to individuals online as part of this effort.
Arrests and Key Suspects
The arrests of Uvaid Malik and Jalal Haider were executed following a specific tip-off regarding their purported associations with Aqib, a native of Sathla village located in Meerut's Mawana area, who is now believed to be residing in West Asia. Circle officer Najibabad, Anjani Kumar Chaturvedi, elaborated on Saturday that Aqib had previously drawn attention after a video emerged on Instagram on November 23, where he was allegedly depicted with an AK-47 rifle and explosives, raising serious security concerns.
Interrogation Revelations and Network Details
During intensive questioning sessions, the two accused individuals informed police investigators that Aqib employed Instagram as a primary tool to disseminate inflammatory content and incite young people against the Hindu community. Authorities stated that he further encouraged anti-national activities through his posts, aiming to destabilize social harmony. Investigators uncovered that Uvaid and Jalal initially came into contact with Aqib and another individual named Maizul approximately three years ago while they were employed in Surat. Maizul is currently based in South Africa and is suspected to be an integral component of the same extensive network.
Ongoing Investigations and Manhunt
Police officials revealed that Uvaid was in the advanced stages of planning to escape to Nepal, acting on advice from his contacts within this network. In response, specialized teams have been mobilized and are actively conducting searches for Aqib, Maizul, as well as two other individuals identified as Sameer and Azad, all of whom are connected to this unfolding case. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to dismantle this alleged network and prevent further anti-national activities.
