Lucknow: The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh apprehended two individuals with connections to terrorist figures such as Shahnawaz and Rizwan, who were previously detained by the Delhi Police's Crime Branch. The UP ATS initiated a case on November 3 based on available information, subsequently conducting raids and apprehending both terrorists at separate locations. Literature associated with ISIS and Al Qaeda was seized from the arrested individuals.
According to the UP ATS, there were indications that certain individuals in Aligarh were influencing others, drawing inspiration from ISIS ideology. The arrested terrorists also had links with the Students of Aligarh Muslim University (SAMU), the student organization of Aligarh Muslim University, and were influenced by ISIS ideology. In light of this information, the ATS expanded its investigation and took action after accumulating evidence.
The UP ATS reported that printed materials, pen drives containing ISIS propaganda, and other items were discovered in possession of both terrorists. Furthermore, through their electronic devices, connections with various groups endorsing anti-national and terrorist ideologies were established. This included literature from ISIS and 'Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent.' The UP ATS took both individuals into custody on November 5, presenting them before the court. They have been identified as Abdullah Arslan and Maaz bin Tariq.
Abdullah Arslan and Maaz bin Tariq Part of a Larger Terrorist Module
It's important to note that in early October, the Delhi Police's Crime Branch arrested multiple terrorists in Delhi and Aligarh who were operating within an ISIS module. The investigation revealed that individuals named Shahnawaz, Rizwan, and Arshad were setting up a comprehensive ISIS module in Northern India. Shahnawaz, who had previously been arrested in a UAPA case in Pune, was absconding at the time and was involved in planning potential attacks during the Diwali festival.
Shahnawaz had conducted reconnaissance of several significant locations from Gujarat to UP, including Delhi. These terrorists were in contact with madrassas and Maulanas from Aligarh to Prayagraj, intending to recruit and establish a network. The UP ATS has now arrested both individuals connected to this ISIS module.
Shahnawaz, originally from Jharkhand, had joined ISIS in Pune and was assembling a sleeper cell. Members of his group were involved in bomb-making and conducted tests in nearby forests. Shahnawaz's gang required a stolen motorcycle for their conspiracy, and two members, Imran and Yusuf, were sent to steal one in July 2023 but were apprehended by the police. Shahnawaz, however, managed to escape. He faced charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and was clandestinely residing with Rizwan in Delhi.
Rizwan, his accomplice, maintained contact with madrassas and Maulanas, even in Prayagraj. He was apprehended in Lucknow after residing in Naini, and he continued to visit Prayagraj. Rizwan had connections with various Maulanas and operators of madrassas and mosques. Authorities are currently investigating these connections. The Special Cell of the Delhi Police arrested Rizwan, Shahnawaz (also known as Shafi Uzzama), and Arshad Warsi. All three were planning terrorist attacks in different parts of the country before Diwali, with the Ram temple in Ayodhya as one of their targets, for which they had conducted reconnaissance.
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