The Uttar Pradesh Police’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested four individuals from Aligarh associated with the Aligarh module of ISIS. Rakib Imam Ansari, a 29-year-old BTech and MTech graduate from Aligarh Muslim University, was arrested on Friday. Additionally, Naved Siddiqui (23), pursuing BSc, Mohd Noman (27), holding a BA (Honours), and 23-year-old graduate Mohd Nazim from Sambhal were arrested on Saturday, ATS said in a press release.
The ATS seized banned ISIS literature, mobile phones, and pen drives from them. The arrested individuals allegedly had ties to ISIS, aiming to bring down the elected government through terror attacks and establish Sharia law.
They were engaged in distributing ISIS-related materials to like-minded individuals. The accused were involved in mentally and physically preparing individuals for “terror jihad” through various online platforms. Their plan reportedly involved carrying out a significant terror attack in the state and the country.
Uttar Pradesh ATS arrested four men linked to the Aligarh Module of ISIS: UP Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) pic.twitter.com/shBaGXtaUO
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2023
The group, formed during meetings of the Students of Aligarh Muslim University, was actively working to connect new individuals with ISIS under the guise of the students’ union.
The ATS learned of their activities while investigating earlier arrests related to anti-national activities influenced by ISIS.
Earlier this month, Additional Director General of Police (ATS) Mohit Aggarwal had mentioned receiving information about radicalised individuals, influenced by ISIS, engaging in anti-national activities and forming a jihadi group. The intention was allegedly to carry out a major attack in Uttar Pradesh.
The recent arrests were made based on information obtained during the interrogation of previously apprehended individuals Abdullah Arsalan, Maaz bin Tariq, and Waziudin. The arrested individuals will face legal proceedings after being presented in court.
Source : Jagran
