Mohammed Faraz is the main accused
Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has busted an alleged terror and radicalisation module operating in the state, arresting three individuals and launching a manhunt for a fourth suspect, officials said on Monday.
The primary accused, identified as Mohammed Faraz (35), was arrested from Bhopal's Qazi Camp area on Friday. Employed at a private homoeopathic clinic, Faraz has been remanded to ATS custody until June 16 as investigators probe his alleged role in radicalising youth through social media platforms.
According to investigators, Faraz allegedly used WhatsApp and Telegram to spread extremist content and radical ideology, focusing particularly on unemployed and economically vulnerable young people. He is accused of promoting the concept of "Ghazwa-e-Hind" and advocating the establishment of Sharia rule in India by 2047.
Officials claim that Faraz maintained a low profile in his neighbourhood and rarely interacted with local residents, who believed he led an ordinary life while working as a technician.
During questioning, Faraz reportedly disclosed that he had been communicating with alleged militants based in Pakistan and other countries through encrypted messaging platforms. Sources said he was influenced by an individual identified as Naim, who allegedly encouraged him to follow the ideology of Pakistani militant Khalid Saifullah.
Investigators are also examining claims that Faraz was instructed to obtain a passport and travel to Pakistan. Authorities allege that vulnerable youth were being misled and encouraged to participate in extremist activities.
The ATS has also arrested Nayeem Abdullah Qureshi (38) from Nanauta in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district and Mohammed Shakir (34) from Rajasthan's Alwar district.
Qureshi was apprehended with assistance from the Uttar Pradesh ATS, the UP Special Task Force (STF), and central intelligence agencies. He has been remanded to ATS custody until June 16, while Shakir has been sent to custody until June 20.
Officials said efforts are underway to apprehend a fourth accused and that further details will emerge as the investigation progresses.
