UP Police and ATS Detain Key ISIS-Linked Module Accused at Lucknow Airport
The Uttar Pradesh Police, in collaboration with the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), has made a significant arrest in an ongoing investigation into a suspected ISIS-linked module. The key accused, identified as Majul, a resident of Sauftpur village under the Nangal police station in Bijnor district, was apprehended upon his arrival at the airport from South Africa on April 18. Airport authorities detained Majul and subsequently handed him over to local police for further interrogation.
Background of the Case and Previous Arrests
This case originated from a video that surfaced on social media platforms on November 23, 2025. The video, which was reportedly uploaded from an account operated by Majul, showed youths allegedly displaying firearms during an Instagram Live session. It featured another accused, Aqib, brandishing weapons and delivering provocative content aimed at spreading extremist ideology.
Following the emergence of this video, an FIR was registered at the Nangal police station under multiple legal provisions, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Arms Act, and the Information Technology Act. The FIR named several individuals, including Majul, Aqib, Azad, Owaid Malik, and others, as accused in the case.
Prior to Majul's arrest, law enforcement agencies had already taken action against other suspects linked to this module. Two accused, Owaid Malik and Jalal Haider alias Sameer Jafri, were earlier arrested by the Bijnor Police. Additionally, another individual, Sameer alias Ruhan, was held on April 15 for alleged connections with the group through the Telegram messaging platform. Digital evidence recovered from his phone indicated involvement in activities considered prejudicial to national security.
Investigation Details and Network Unraveling
According to Amitabh Yash, ADG (Law & Order), crucial leads in this investigation emerged during the interrogation of Owaid Malik. Malik revealed that approximately three years ago, he had traveled to Gujarat in search of employment opportunities. It was there that he met Jalal Haider, who later introduced him to Majul and another associate based in Saudi Arabia.
Police investigations have revealed that Malik and Haider allegedly facilitated connections between individuals and Aqib through various social media platforms. Their role involved encouraging people to follow Aqib's content and actively spread his extremist ideology among vulnerable youth populations.
Majul had been under a lookout circular (LOC) issued by the ATS along with two other key accused, Aqib and Azad, who are currently believed to be residing in Saudi Arabia. Sources indicate that the accused were attempting to build a network within India, recruit young individuals, and carry out coordinated actions that could threaten national security.
Electronic Evidence and Escape Plans
Electronic evidence gathered during the investigation has provided further insights into the activities of this network. After some associates were arrested in Meerut, Azad allegedly advised Malik to flee to Nepal to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies. This information highlights the transnational dimensions of the case and the efforts made by the accused to evade capture.
Recent ATS Operations and Broader Context
These developments come shortly after a major ATS operation conducted on April 3, in which four suspected operatives were arrested. Those individuals, identified as Saqib alias 'Devil', Arbaab, Vikas Gehlawat alias Raunak, and Lokesh alias Papla Pandit, were allegedly planning arson attacks on railway infrastructure and conducting reconnaissance of key installations across multiple cities.
The arrest of Majul represents another significant step in dismantling extremist networks operating within the region. Police authorities have confirmed that Majul is currently undergoing intensive interrogation to gather more information about the full extent of this network. Further investigation is actively underway to trace all connections and apprehend the remaining accused individuals who are still at large.
Ongoing Efforts and National Security Implications
The Uttar Pradesh Police and ATS continue to work diligently to address threats to national security posed by such extremist modules. The combination of digital surveillance, international cooperation, and ground-level investigations has proven effective in identifying and neutralizing these threats. Authorities remain vigilant in monitoring social media platforms and other communication channels that may be used for radicalization and recruitment purposes.
This case underscores the importance of coordinated efforts between various law enforcement agencies to combat terrorism and maintain public safety. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to completely dismantle this network and prevent any potential security threats from materializing.
