Pak handlers expanding network in India via social media, 2 arrested in UP: Cops

The arrested men allegedly told police the handler was using social media to radicalise youth and expand contacts across borders, with police officials tracking links in India and overseas.

In Short

• Two men arrested by UP ATS in Bijnor for terror links
• Investigation expanded across states and abroad
• Network operated via Instagram and social media platforms

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad has arrested two men in Bijnor in what officials describe as part of a wider terror-linked network allegedly being run through social media by a Pakistan-linked handler based in West Asia. Authorities have also issued lookout circulars against two other accused and widened the investigation across states and abroad.

Those arrested have been identified as Uvaid Malik and Jalal Haider, also known as Sameer. Acting on intelligence inputs, police detained the duo over their alleged links with Aqib, a resident of Meerut Mawana area who is currently based in West Asia.

According to police, the arrests pointed to an expanding online recruitment and radicalisation network allegedly operated through Instagram and other platforms. Officials said that Aqib has been in touch with individuals in India as well as contacts in South Africa and Saudi Arabia.

During interrogation, the accused allegedly told officers that the handler was using social media to spread radical content, incite anti-national sentiments and encourage violent activities. Police said the network was also attempting to expand its presence within India through sustained digital engagement.

Officials further said that the accused had come in contact with Aqib and another associate, Maizul, based in South Africa, around three years ago while working in Surat. Police believed that the online network gradually evolved into a coordinated group with cross-border linkages.

The case has widened significantly after earlier arrests. On April 2, ATS had detained four men from Meerut and Gautam Buddh Nagar in connection with the same module. Those arrests had initially pointed to a suspected conspiracy to target the Lucknow railway station.

Police said a viral Instagram video from November 2025 brought Aqib under scrutiny after it allegedly showed him displaying an AK-47 rifle and explosives. The clip had first surfaced last year, prompting a local case at a police station.

However, the initial probe had concluded that the weapons seen in the video were toys, leading to a closure report in the case. With fresh evidence emerging, authorities have now reopened the investigation and transferred it to the ATS.

Officials have also taken action against local police personnel involved in the earlier closure, including the suspension of the then station house officer and investigating officer, while a circle officer has been removed from his post.

Police further said Aqib already faces three lookout circulars, while proceedings have begun to cancel the passports of all accused. A man identified as Sameer from Najibabad is also being traced in connection with the case.

Officials have now expanded the probe to track alleged associates Maizul, Aqib and another accused Azad, with agencies examining their international links and digital footprint as part of a widening counter-terror investigation.

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