The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has sought custody of an Azamgarh resident arrested for allegedly working for a Pakistan-linked terror network that investigators claim was attempting to radicalise Indian youth and build sleeper-cell modules across the country.
According to sources, the accused, Mohammad Sheikh, had allegedly come into contact with Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and suspected handlers linked to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Investigators suspect he was tasked with plotting the assassination of a woman political leader as part of a "trial mission" designed to test his loyalty to the network.
Sources said Sheikh allegedly used social media platforms to identify and connect with vulnerable or radicalised youths. He would then pass their details to his handlers and facilitate communication between them and the overseas network. Investigators believe he was promised large sums of money for expanding the recruitment chain and bringing more young people into the fold.
The ATS is now questioning several youths suspected to have been in contact with Sheikh and is searching for others believed to be linked to the network. Officials expect fresh leads once they secure his custodial interrogation.
A key focus of the investigation is the origin of a 9mm pistol and four live cartridges allegedly recovered from Sheikh during his arrest. The agency is trying to determine whether the weapon was sourced locally or supplied through a wider network.
The arrest comes amid a series of crackdowns by security agencies on alleged modules linked to Shahzad Bhatti, a Pakistan-based gangster whose network has come under scrutiny for allegedly recruiting Indian youths through social media and connecting them with ISI-linked operatives. In recent weeks, the UP ATS and STF arrested multiple suspects in Saharanpur and other locations over alleged attempts to create sleeper cells, conduct reconnaissance of sensitive sites and recruit new operatives.
The ATS has registered a case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Investigators are also examining Sheikh's digital communications and financial transactions to establish the full extent of the alleged network.
VisitTimes Nowfor theLatest news,India News, and breaking stories from around theWorld.
Diana George is Associate Editor at Times Now, with over a decade of experience covering national and international news, crime, and local politics. S...View More
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
