UP ATS Arrests 19-Year-Old in Alleged AQIS-Linked ‘Violent Jihad’ Conspiracy

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 19-year-old youth from Tamil Nadu for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to carry out “violent jihadist activities” and for being part of WhatsApp groups where bomb-making videos and material linked to the banned Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) were allegedly circulated.

Maqsood Ali was arrested from Coimbatore on Monday with the assistance of the Tamil Nadu ATS, officials said on Wednesday. His arrest is the second in the case in recent days.

The UP ATS said it had received intelligence that individuals influenced by the ideology of Al Qaeda operative Anwar al-Awlaki were allegedly creating groups on social media platforms to plan anti-national activities and recruit young people.

According to the agency, the groups allegedly sought to turn recruits into “mujahideen” and provide them with funds and training in the use of sophisticated weapons.

The ATS subsequently registered a case under Sections 152 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 18 and 38 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Mohammad Nabeel, a resident of Azamgarh's Didarganj area, was arrested on September 12. During his interrogation, investigators allegedly found Maqsood's involvement, leading to his arrest.

The ATS alleged that Maqsood had been in contact with Pakistani hackers and was attempting to develop hacking tools. Investigators said he had learned Python, Java, coding and hacking through online resources and developed a secure communication application called “CAPTAIN M NETWORK”.

The agency said Maqsood used two WhatsApp accounts and was associated with several groups containing Pakistani numbers. Discussions on secure messaging applications allegedly took place in these groups, alongside the circulation of extremist material.

The ATS further alleged that a group created by Nabeel contained AQIS literature and bomb-making videos. Maqsood was brought to Lucknow on transit remand and produced before a competent court, where further legal proceedings are underway.