MP Anti-Terrorism Squad Makes Another Arrest in Radicalisation Probe, UP Man Held

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has made another arrest in its ongoing probe into an alleged radicalisation network with suspected Pakistan-linked connections, apprehending a suspect from neighbouring Uttar Pradesh.Officials said Naeem Qureshi, a resident of Nanota town in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, has been arrested in connection with the case being investigated by the ATS.The latest arrest comes shortly after the ATS detained a 34-year-old Bhopal resident, Mohammad Faraj alias Khalid Saifullah, from Congress Nagar for allegedly maintaining links with Pakistan-based radical handlers, consuming extremist propaganda and attempting to spread anti-India ideology through digital platforms.According to sources, the arrest of Naeem Qureshi follows leads generated during the interrogation of the first accused and analysis of digital evidence recovered during the investigation. ATS officials suspect the accused were part of a wider online ecosystem involving radical content consumption and communication with suspected foreign-based handlers.Investigators are examining digital devices, online communications and financial transactions to determine the nature and extent of the alleged links.

Sources indicated the probe has now widened into an inter-state investigation, with agencies looking into whether more individuals were connected to the network.Officials said the Uttar Pradesh-based accused would be brought to Madhya Pradesh for further interrogation after legal formalities, including transit remand.While maintaining secrecy over operational details due to the sensitive nature of the case, ATS officials indicated that further arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses.The case first surfaced after intelligence inputs flagged suspicious online activity allegedly linked to Pakistan-based operatives, prompting the ATS to launch surveillance and initiate a detailed probe.