Islamic regime by 2047: Teacher radicalises youngsters on social media; arrested

The Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) has arrested a coaching class teacher for allegedly working to build a radicalisation network through social media, with the aim of establishing an Islamic government in India by 2047.

The Madhya Pradesh ATS has arrested Mohammad Faraz from the Qazi Camp area of Bhopal, alleging that he was using WhatsApp and Telegram to push young people towards radicalisation. During questioning, Faraz reportedly told investigators that he was connected via Telegram and WhatsApp groups with several Pakistani, Indian and foreign “mujahideen”.

He claimed that an individual named Naeem had inspired him by introducing him to the story of Pakistani “martyr” Khalid Saifullah and encouraging him to emulate his path.

Faraz further alleged that he and others were instructed to create fear among people and carry out targeted killings when directed. He also claimed that members were told to prepare passports so that, when required, they could travel to Pakistan via a third country to receive militant training.

LED ORDINARY LIFE, SAY NEIGHBOURS

According to ATS officials, Faraz and his wife ran coaching classes for students from Classes 1 to 10 at their residence and also conducted Quran lessons every Tuesday. Faraz also worked as a compounder at a clinic in Bhopal. However, since his arrest, the clinic owner has reportedly shut the premises and gone missing.

Neighbours described Faraz and his family as respectable and ordinary. According to residents, his routine largely involved travelling between his home and the clinic.

While neighbours were unaware of his alleged activities, investigators claim a different world existed inside his mobile phone. Authorities allege that he circulated videos through Telegram and WhatsApp groups and encouraged young people to adopt extremist views. Economically vulnerable and socially isolated youths were allegedly among the primary targets.

‘MISSION 2047’ DOCUMENT EXPOSED

India Today TV has accessed documents recovered by the MP ATS from Faraz, including the banned Popular Front of India’s (PFI) “Mission 2047” document. Similar documents were reportedly recovered by the NIA in Kerala in 2022 and by the Maharashtra ATS from accused persons arrested in 2024.

The document reportedly states that by 2047, political power should be restored to the Muslim community, which it claims was “unjustly taken away” during British rule.

It identifies the social and economic upliftment of the Muslim community as the first step towards this objective. It further argues that such development would pave the way for political empowerment, creating a cycle of greater development and increased political influence.

The document notes that, historically, Muslims have often lived as minorities and argues that majority status is not necessary for political success. It further claims that even if 10 per cent of the total Muslim population unites behind the PFI, it could exert significant influence and restore what it describes as the “glory of Islam in India.”

The objective of establishing Islamic rule is described as central and non-negotiable. The document further calls for organisational expansion in areas with Muslim populations and for efforts to unify Muslims across sects and affiliations under the PFI’s banner.

It also states that the community should be repeatedly reminded of grievances and discontent, and that such grievances should be highlighted or reinforced even where they are not immediately perceived to exist. Additionally, it calls on all organisational fronts and affiliated political entities to prioritise expansion and the recruitment of new members.

ALLEGED MASTERMIND ARRESTED

Following Faraz’s interrogation, the MP ATS arrested Naeem Qureshi from Deoband in Saharanpur district. The agency described him as the alleged mastermind and senior operative in the case. Qureshi was produced before a court and remanded to ATS custody for four days.

Investigators allege that Qureshi was involved in passing sensitive information to foreign elements. The probe has also revealed that he allegedly trained Faraz and was involved in plans to send him to Afghanistan. The ATS claims to have recovered extremist literature, suspicious documents, and evidence of transactions linked to madrasas.

Examination of mobile phones allegedly revealed communication with contacts in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Investigators say the accused used the Botim app to communicate with foreign handlers. The probe has also reportedly found that photographs and videos from several cities in Uttar Pradesh were being sent to Pakistan.

The ATS suspects the network extended across multiple states and functioned in a manner similar to a sleeper cell. The ATS and other agencies are currently investigating the full extent of the network.

FURTHER INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY

Following Faraz’s arrest, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav convened a meeting at the state police headquarters and issued a strong statement. He said the government would not allow terrorist designs or extremist ideology to flourish and would root out “snakes hiding in their burrows.”

He added that security agencies had, in time, arrested an individual who could have posed a serious threat to the country in the future. He also claimed that a large quantity of extremist literature had been recovered from the accused.

The operation in Bhopal has once again raised questions about the scale of the alleged ideological battle being waged through social media and the extent of its connections. The ATS says the network was exposed before it could expand further, but the investigation is still underway and several crucial revelations are expected.

Attention now shifts to what further information may emerge from interrogations and digital evidence, and how large a picture of the alleged network will ultimately be revealed.

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