Lucknow, June 1: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested Mohammad Sheikh from Azamgarh. He is accused of working for a terrorist network linked to Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and elements associated with the ISI.
According to the ATS, handlers based in Pakistan have been attempting to radicalize Indian youths through social media, using financial incentives and religious provocation. They aim to recruit them as sleeper cells. The investigation revealed that Mohammad Sheikh, a resident of Azamgarh, was connected to Shahzad Bhatti’s gang via WhatsApp and social media. He was reportedly influenced by their ideology and spoke about jihad, trying to recruit other youths into the network.
The ATS stated that Sheikh was being managed by gang handlers Ajmal Gujjar and Raza Pakistani. He was allegedly encouraged to assassinate a female leader of a political party, with promises of involvement in a larger mission.
The investigation agency claims that Sheikh had also arranged a 9mm pistol and four cartridges in preparation for executing this plan. During the arrest, authorities recovered one 9mm pistol, four 9mm cartridges, and one mobile phone from him.
The ATS has filed a case against the accused after gathering sufficient evidence. He was arrested on May 31 and has been sent to judicial custody.
The ATS plans to seek police custody remand to gather more information about other individuals connected to Sheikh and the broader network.
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