In a series of operations aimed at dismantling an alleged ISIS module, the Uttar Pradesh Police, particularly the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), has apprehended nine individuals associated with Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) over the past two months. The arrests were carried out based on an FIR filed on November 3, 2023, against 10 persons, citing charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
According to ATS officials, the charges include “conspiracy against the state,” “collecting arms to wage war against the government of India,” “conspiring or attempting to commit a terrorist act,” and “recruiting people for terrorist acts and association with any terror group.”
The ATS alleges that the accused individuals were part of an Islamic State module operating in Aligarh, with the intention of spreading terror and executing violent acts across the country.
Commencing on November 5, 2023, with the arrests of Abdullah Arsalan (25) and Maaz Bin Tariq (26), both former AMU students, subsequent detentions included Wajihudeen, Raqib Imam, Mohammad Noman, Naved Siddiqui, Mohammad Nazim, Abdul Samad Malik, and Amas alias Faraz Ahmad.
ATS claims to have seized printed literature of ISIS and Al Qaeda Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), along with a pen drive containing ISIS propaganda from the arrested individuals. The recovered materials purportedly promote terrorism and an anti-national ideology.
On January 8, 2024, the latest arrests of Abdul Samad Malik and Amas alias Faraz Ahmad were made, with the ATS having previously announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for their capture.
All those arrested were associated with SAMU (Students of Aligarh Muslim University), an informal student body active on the campus for years.
The police assert that the youth were planning to overthrow the government through violent jihad and impose Sharia law, according to the ATS. The group, connected through SAMU meetings, is accused of distributing ISIS literature, recruiting like-minded individuals, and conducting physical and mental training for jihad at undisclosed locations.
Authorities claim that both online platforms and in-person meetings were used for these activities. SAMU, previously known for a 2008 campaign against immorality called ‘Al-Haya Min Allah,’ is now under scrutiny.
In a response to the unfolding situation, an AMU official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, refuted the narrative presented by the police as “baseless.” While emphasizing that the charges by the ATS are yet to be proven, the official affirmed the university’s “zero tolerance” policy against such deviance and expressed willingness to cooperate with the investigation. The Mumbai ATS has reportedly presented a similar account regarding recent arrests in Maharashtra, indicating a potential connection between the cases.
Related
