Terror suspect detained after IB-ATS-STF joint raid in UP’s Saharanpur

Saharanpur (UP), June 13 (IANS) In a joint operation, multiple security and investigative agencies detained a youth from Nanauta town of Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district for questioning over suspected terror links.

According to reports, teams from the Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Uttar Pradesh ATS, Meerut Special Task Force (STF), and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) jointly conducted the operation and took a youth identified as Naeem Abdullah into custody.

Officials said Abdullah was immediately taken to an undisclosed location on Friday, where he is being subjected to intensive interrogation. Sources said that investigating agencies had been monitoring him for some time over suspected international contacts and his digital activities.

According to officials, the youth had been under surveillance due to his alleged suspicious contacts and online activities. During the operation, his mobile phone and other electronic devices were seized and sent for forensic examination. A team of experts is currently working to retrieve and analyse digital data from the seized devices.

Reports suggest that Abdullah is also being questioned in connection with a case registered in Madhya Pradesh. However, investigating agencies have not yet shared any official details regarding the matter.

The joint team carried out the operation under strict confidentiality. The sudden arrival of multiple security agencies created a stir in the area and drew a large crowd to the scene. Citing national security concerns, officials prevented bystanders from recording videos of the operation.

Despite the gathering of onlookers, security personnel maintained control of the situation and completed all required procedures without any disruption.

At present, various investigative agencies are conducting a detailed probe into all aspects of the case. Officials said that an official statement will be issued only after the investigation is completed and all facts have been verified. Attention is now focused on the agencies’ next course of action and any further disclosures that may emerge from the probe.

Earlier on Friday, a terror probe unfolded in Madhya Pradesh after the ATS arrested a 35-year-old man from Bhopal for allegedly being in touch with overseas handlers, with investigators probing whether he was moving towards a lone-wolf attack model.

According to media reports, the accused, identified as Mohd Faraz, is a resident of the Qazi Camp area in Old Bhopal. He was arrested by the ATS near Nanhe Bee’s mosque in a highly confidential operation. Sources said the action was carried out with such secrecy that even senior local police officers and personnel from the police station concerned were reportedly not informed in advance.

According to ATS sources, Faraz had allegedly become highly radicalised and was consuming extremist material sent from abroad. Investigators claim to have recovered a PDF file containing alleged jihadi literature from his mobile phone, which they suspect originated from Pakistan.

The agency is examining whether he was acting alone or was part of a larger network. The ATS is also investigating whether the accused was planning to travel to Afghanistan for alleged specialised training. Sources further claimed that he had been undergoing martial arts training, raising concerns among investigators that he may have been physically preparing for a violent act.

–IANS

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