Bhopal, June 13 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Anti‑Terrorism Squad (ATS) has dismantled a major anti‑national network allegedly operating with support from Pakistani handlers. Two suspects have been arrested in connection with a long‑term conspiracy to destabilise India through radicalisation, targeted killings and youth recruitment.

Speaking to the media, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the state police would “smoke out such vipers”.

The arrested individuals are Mohammad Faraz, a resident of Kazi Camp in Bhopal, and Naim Abdullah (also referred to as Naeem), hailing from Deoband in Saharanpur district, Uttar Pradesh.

According to investigators, the duo had been in regular contact for the past six years, coordinating through encrypted platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp.

Faraz was produced before a court in Bhopal and remanded to ATS custody till June 16. He is currently undergoing intensive interrogation. Naim Abdullah is in the custody of the Uttar Pradesh ATS.

The ATS investigation revealed that Faraz was in direct touch with radical elements, including handlers from Pakistan. Objectionable anti‑national documents and training materials allegedly sent from Pakistan were recovered from his mobile phone.

Faraz is accused of attempting to influence and radicalise local youths in Madhya Pradesh to expand the network for carrying out anti‑national activities, including creating an atmosphere of fear and executing targeted killings.

Naim Abdullah, aged 38, was arrested by the Bhopal ATS with assistance from the Uttar Pradesh ATS and Special Task Force (STF) from Nanauta town in Saharanpur. He reportedly stayed mostly at home. A large quantity of religious literature, books and suspicious digital material was seized from his residence.

Both individuals have been named in the FIR registered in the case.

Interrogation has uncovered critical details. Naim Abdullah allegedly introduced Faraz to a Pakistani handler around six years ago and consistently incited him towards radical activities. Under the handler’s influence, Faraz reportedly pledged to follow instructions and remain prepared for any assigned task or target.

Pakistani handlers allegedly sent training videos linked to groups like the Indian Mujahideen and other propaganda material to groom Faraz. The network’s objectives included mobilising local youths, instructing members to acquire weapons and planning a major conspiracy against India’s democratic system.

Faraz was also receiving online training in targeted killings, police sources said. As part of the plan, members were directed to obtain passports for potential overseas training. Faraz had already secured his passport and was preparing to travel abroad, they said.

The ATS is now conducting a thorough probe into the accused’s bank accounts, social media profiles, Call Detail Records (CDRs) and possible funding channels spanning India and abroad. Investigators believe further interrogation may reveal additional members of the network.

–IANS

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