MPATS arrests Bhopal man for ‘Pak links’, invokes UAPA charges

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested a 34-year-old man from Bhopal for allegedly maintaining links with Pakistan-based radical handlers, consuming extremist propaganda and attempting to spread anti-India ideology.The suspect, identified as Mohammad Faraj alias Khalid Saifullah, a resident of Congress Nagar in Bhopal, was arrested from his residence following an operation by ATS teams.Another person named in the FIR is Naeem Abdullah, a resident of Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district, while the role of other unidentified persons is also under investigation.ATS headquarters received information that Faraj allegedly joined a Pakistan-linked WhatsApp group and was regularly in contact with handlers associated with anti-India activities.

Investigators suspect he was being radicalised through online conversations, speeches, videos and messages circulated through social media and encrypted platforms.During interrogation, Faraj reportedly disclosed that he came in contact with Naeem Abdullah around five to six years ago through a mobile phone. Initially, the two spoke on religious matters, but later discussions allegedly shifted towards Palestine and Jammu & Kashmir.

Naeem reportedly told Faraj that “Pakistani brothers” would contact him for further guidance. Officials claim he was instructed to delete chats after conversations and exposed to speeches discussing attacks on Hindu religious sites.ATS recovered a mobile phone, SIM cards and digital content during the search operation. A case has been registered under Section 152 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 13(1)(b) and 18 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.