Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad has arrested a 19-year-old man from Azamgarh over his links with Al-Qaeda in the Indian Sub-Continent (AQIS), with investigators probing what they describe as an online radicalisation and mobilisation network.
The accused, identified as Mohammad Nabeel, is a resident of the area under Didarganj police station in Azamgarh. According to the ATS, he allegedly used encrypted social media groups and coded conversations to circulate AQIS ideology and connect young people from different parts of India and abroad.
The agency is also investigating allegations that the network was being used to recruit youths, raise funds and prepare them for violent activities.
Encrypted Social Media Groups Under ATS Scanner
According to the UP ATS, Nabeel allegedly created and operated several encrypted groups through which extremist material and AQIS-related content were circulated.
Investigators suspect that the groups were being used to establish contact with young people in Jammu and Kashmir, other parts of India and foreign countries.
The ATS has claimed that Nabeel attempted to influence young people with AQIS ideology and encourage them towards what the group describes as jihad.
The agency is now examining the digital communications, group memberships and material allegedly shared through these platforms.
‘La Ghalib-Illallah’ WhatsApp Group Investigated
A key part of the investigation emerged from an examination of Nabeel’s mobile phone, according to the ATS.
Investigators reportedly found a WhatsApp group named ‘La Ghalib-Illallah’, where conversations allegedly involved coded references to activities and materials.
The ATS claims certain terms were being used as codewords in the conversations. Investigators are examining the context of these exchanges to establish whether they were connected to preparations for violent activities.
The agency has also found that extremist literature was circulated among members of the group.
Among the material under investigation are ‘44 Ways to Wage Jihad’, attributed to Al-Qaeda operative Anwar al-Awlaki, and ‘Tisri Jung-e-Azeem aur Dajjal’, written by former AQIS chief Maulana Asim Umar.
According to the ATS, Nabeel allegedly circulated such material and encouraged members of the group to read it.
Probe Into Recruitment of Youths
The investigation is not limited to Nabeel’s online activities.
The ATS has found that he was attempting to bring youths from different parts of the country into an extremist network. Jammu and Kashmir was reportedly among the areas from which the accused allegedly sought to attract recruits.
Investigators are examining whether these contacts were merely ideological or were part of a broader recruitment effort.
The ATS has further stated that the network’s objective was to prepare recruits for violent activities in India.
These allegations are part of the ongoing investigation and will have to be established through evidence and further legal proceedings.
‘Flames Of War’ Group Had International Members
Investigators have also reportedly identified Nabeel’s association with another WhatsApp group called ‘Flames of War’.
According to the ATS, the group included members from countries including Bangladesh, Myanmar and Saudi Arabia.
The agency alleges that Al-Qaeda-related ideological material was repeatedly shared in the group.
Investigators are now examining the identities of the members, their communications and the nature of their interactions with Nabeel to determine the extent of the network.
Pakistan, Turkey and Bangladesh Travel Plans Under Probe
One of the more serious allegations being investigated concerns plans to send individuals abroad for training.
According to the ATS, Nabeel allegedly encouraged people to travel to Pakistan, Turkey and Bangladesh for training.
The agency has claimed that plans were being explored for training in bomb-making and other activities. Investigators also reportedly found videos related to bomb-making techniques in the digital material under examination.
Information concerning the procurement of materials used in explosives was also allegedly shared in the groups, according to the ATS.
The agency is examining whether these discussions represented an actual operational plan or remained at the level of online conversations and ideological activity.
Ghazwa-e-Hind Plot Being Examined
The ATS has also linked the network to a plan it describes as Ghazwa-e-Hind.
According to investigators, Nabeel allegedly sought to mobilise youths and connect them with AQIS-linked ideology as part of a larger plan involving violent activities in India.
The agency has further found that Pakistan-based assistance was being contemplated in connection with the plan.
The allegations are now being investigated as part of the wider case, with authorities examining the accused’s contacts, digital communications and possible links with individuals outside India.
Investigation Focuses On Digital Trail
The arrest has placed the use of encrypted communication platforms for radicalisation under the scanner.
Investigators are examining Nabeel’s mobile phone, social media activity, WhatsApp groups and communications to identify other individuals who may have been connected to the network.
The ATS is also trying to establish whether the online activity translated into concrete preparations, recruitment efforts, funding arrangements or plans for attacks.
