The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad has apprehended two individuals in Bijnor as part of an alleged broader terror-related network being orchestrated through social media by a handler with ties to Pakistan in West Asia. Additionally, two other suspects have lookout circulars issued against them, and the investigation has been extended to multiple states and overseas.
The detainees, identified as Uvaid Malik and Jalal Haider, also known as Sameer, were taken into custody based on intelligence information linking them to Aqib, a resident of Meerut Mawana presently residing in West Asia. Law enforcement officials stated that the arrests shed light on an expanding online recruitment and radicalization network operating through various platforms including Instagram.
Authorities revealed that Aqib has been communicating with individuals in India, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia. The arrested individuals confessed during questioning that the handler was leveraging social media to disseminate radical content, provoke anti-national sentiments, and promote violent activities. The network was reportedly striving to enhance its presence in India through continuous digital interactions.
It was disclosed that the suspects had established contact with Aqib and another associate named Maizul from South Africa around three years ago while working in Surat, leading to the gradual evolution of the online network into a well-coordinated group with international connections.
Following previous detentions, the case has significantly broadened. Earlier in April, the ATS arrested four men from Meerut and Gautam Buddh Nagar in relation to the same network, initially indicating a suspected plot targeting the Lucknow railway station.
A viral Instagram video from November 2025 featuring Aqib brandishing an AK-47 rifle and explosives brought him under scrutiny. Despite initial investigations deeming the weapons in the video as toys, recent evidence prompted the reopening of the case and its transfer to the ATS.
Officials have taken disciplinary action against local police personnel involved in the initial closure, including the suspension of the then station house officer and investigating officer, and the removal of a circle officer from his position. Aqib faces three lookout circulars, and efforts are underway to revoke the passports of all suspects. Authorities are also tracing a man identified as Sameer from Najibabad in connection with the case.
The investigation has now expanded to trace alleged associates Maizul, Aqib, and another suspect named Azad, with agencies scrutinizing their international ties and digital footprint as part of an extensive anti-terror probe.