The UP ATS (Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorism Squad) has taken significant action ahead of the Pran Prathishta of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. They intercepted posts on social media believed to be provocative and misleading as ISIS sought to establish a presence in Bharat. Subsequently, the UP ATS conducted raids in Maharashtra at 11 locations, uncovering objectionable materials.
The UP STF went to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Maharashtra to investigate raiding hideouts linked to ISIS suspects. Phones, laptops, and jihadi literature were seized, but the 11 suspects managed to evade capture. Notices were issued, calling them for interrogation in Lucknow between 15 and 18 January.
Saddam Sheikh, an ISIS supporter, posted on social media, expressing anger over the Babri Masjid verdict and admiration for terrorists like Osama bin Laden. He was arrested in July 2023. Investigation into his post led to the identification of 11 suspects in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, ideologically linked to ISIS.
The ATS raided the area on 30 December 2023, but the suspects had already disappeared. Families of the accused have been summoned to the UP ATS office in Lucknow between 15 and 18 January. The ATS filed a case against 11 people, including Mirza Saif Baig, Abdul Wahid, Yasir, Ziauddin Siddiqui, Thor Bhan, SK Khalid, Tahir alias Sir, and Sadiq Habib.
The security agencies in Maharashtra are on alert following the UP ATS raid. The UP ATS said a terrorist meeting took place on 17 September 2023 in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, discussing attack strategies. The suspects allegedly started spreading provocative messages on social media after the meeting. Kuldeep Tiwari, CO of UP ATS, filed an FIR in October 2023, stating a plan to create panic in UP was underway. The suspects are booked under various sections, including promoting disharmony, unlawful activities, and conspiracy concerning a terror act.
According to reports, a pharmacy store salesman supporting ISIS consistently posted extremist content. The suspects were covertly organizing meetings to plan a terrorist attack. The case is related to statements made during a secret meeting on 17 September 2023 in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, which involved a conspiracy to execute a sensational incident in early 2024. Informants provided a video of the meeting, primarily focusing on abuses during the 1948 Hyderabad Liberation Movement. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar was part of the Nizam of Hyderabad’s Islamic state before 17 September 1948, which marked the completion of 75 years of the Hyderabad Liberation Day.
