Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested a 22-year-old man from Azamgarh district for allegedly being part of a Pakistan-backed terror network that investigators say was recruiting and radicalising Indian youths through social media platforms. According to ATS officials, the accused was allegedly assigned a “trial mission” that involved gathering information about Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and tracking their movements before carrying out a possible attack.
The arrested individual, identified as Mohammad Shaikh, is a resident of Khudadadpur village under the Nizamabad police station area of Azamgarh. ATS officials said he was detained following intelligence-based surveillance and a subsequent operation. During the arrest, security personnel reportedly recovered a 9 mm pistol, live cartridges and a mobile phone, which are now being examined as part of the investigation.
Trial Mission Allegedly Focused on BJP Leaders
Investigators claim that Shaikh had been instructed by his handlers to collect details about BJP leaders from another state and monitor their daily activities. Officials allege that the assignment was designed as a loyalty test before he could be inducted into a larger terror module. According to ATS sources, he had allegedly procured a firearm and ammunition and was preparing to advance the operation. Authorities are now examining whether any reconnaissance activity had already been conducted.
Social Media Recruitment Under Scanner
The probe has revealed that the suspected network allegedly used social media platforms to identify and recruit vulnerable youths. Investigators say recruits were gradually exposed to extremist content and allegedly lured with financial incentives. The network is believed to have operated through online communication channels, making it easier to establish contact and maintain secrecy.
Alleged Links to Pakistan-Based Handlers
According to ATS officials, digital evidence recovered during the investigation suggests that the accused was in contact with handlers based outside India through messaging applications and social media accounts linked to foreign numbers. Investigators are examining communication records to establish the extent of these contacts and identify others who may have been involved.
Officials have identified several individuals believed to be operating the network from abroad. The ATS alleges that these handlers coordinated recruitment, assigned tasks and maintained communication with operatives inside India.
Wider Network Being Investigated
The arrest comes days after ATS and Special Task Force (STF) operations in Uttar Pradesh reportedly uncovered a suspected Pakistan-linked sleeper cell. Earlier operations led to multiple arrests in Saharanpur, where authorities alleged that recruits were being radicalised online and connected to handlers operating from across the border.
Investigators are now analysing Shaikh’s mobile phone, financial transactions and digital records to determine whether he was attempting to recruit additional youths into the network. Officials believe further arrests are possible as the investigation expands.
Legal Action Initiated
A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). ATS officials are expected to seek police custody of the accused for further interrogation as they attempt to uncover the full scope of the alleged network and its activities.
Security agencies maintain that the operation highlights continuing concerns over the use of social media by cross-border terror networks to recruit and radicalise individuals within India. The investigation remains ongoing.
