The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested Maqsood Ali, a 19-year-old from Siddharthnagar, in connection with a AQIS-inspired online module and a suspected conspiracy to carry out violent jihadist activities in India.
Ali was arrested in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, on September 14 with the assistance of the Tamil Nadu ATS. He was subsequently brought to Lucknow on transit remand and produced before a competent court. Further investigation is underway.
The arrest followed the questioning of Mohammad Nabeel, who was arrested by the UP ATS in Azamgarh on September 12 in the same case. Investigators identified Ali as another member of the suspected network based on information obtained during Nabeel’s interrogation.
Pakistan link under scanner
According to the UP ATS, Ali came into contact with Pakistan-based hackers and was attempting to develop hacking tools.
Investigators said he had learnt Python, Java, coding and hacking through online platforms and social media groups. The ATS is examining whether his technical skills were being used as part of the suspected network’s activities.
The agency has also found that Ali was associated with several WhatsApp groups, some of which reportedly included Pakistani phone numbers.
These groups were used to circulate jihadist and extremist material, according to the ATS.
WhatsApp groups under investigation
The ATS identified several groups linked to Ali, including “UU Entry Gate”, “United Ummah”, “Gazwa-e-Hind”, “Team Black Hat” and “Lashkar-e-Mehndi”.
Investigators are examining the membership, communications and activities associated with these groups.
The agency has found that some groups included Pakistani numbers and were used to discuss secure communication tools and circulate extremist content.
Bomb-making videos shared
A major focus of the investigation is a WhatsApp group called “La Ghalib – Illallah”, which was created by Nabeel.
According to the ATS, Ali was a member of the group, where material linked to AQIS and videos showing bomb-making techniques were shared.
The agency is investigating the nature of the material circulated in the group and the extent of Ali’s involvement.
‘CAPTAIN M NETWORK’ App
The ATS has also claims that Ali developed a secure messaging application called “CAPTAIN M NETWORK”.
According to investigators, the application was used to connect Nabeel, Ali and other members of the suspected network. The app reportedly carried the motto: “One Platform, One Motive: Unity, Plan and Action.”
The use of a dedicated communication platform is now part of the investigation into how members of the suspected module communicated and coordinated online.
Investigation into wider network
The UP ATS has 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 (UAPA).
Investigators are now examining the suspected network’s online links, foreign contacts, communications and possible involvement of other individuals.
With Ali’s arrest, two accused have been taken into custody in the case so far, Mohammad Nabeel and Maqsood Ali. The ATS is continuing its probe to establish the wider network and the role of each suspect.
