The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad has arrested two men in Bijnor as part of what officials describe as a larger terror-linked network allegedly being operated via social media by a Pakistan-linked handler based in West Asia. Authorities have also issued lookout circulars against two other suspects and expanded the investigation across multiple states and internationally.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Uvaid Malik and Jalal Haider, alias Sameer. Acting on intelligence inputs, police detained them over their suspected connections with Aqib, a resident of the Mawana area in Meerut who is currently based in West Asia.
Police said the arrests indicate a growing online recruitment and radicalisation network allegedly being run through Instagram and other social media platforms. Officials added that Aqib has been in contact with individuals in India as well as with associates in South Africa and Saudi Arabia.
During questioning, the accused allegedly told investigators that the handler was using social media to circulate radical content, fuel anti-national sentiments, and incite violence. Police said the network was also trying to expand its footprint within India through sustained online outreach.
Officials added that the accused came into contact with Aqib and another associate, Maizul, based in South Africa, around three years ago while working in Surat. Investigators believe the online interactions gradually developed into a coordinated group with cross-border links.
The probe has since expanded following earlier arrests. On April 2, the ATS had detained four men from Meerut and Gautam Buddh Nagar in connection with the same module, initially pointing to a suspected plot targeting the Lucknow railway station.
Police said Aqib came under scrutiny after a video that went viral on Instagram in November 2025 allegedly showed him displaying an AK-47 rifle and explosives. The clip had first surfaced last year, leading to a case being registered at a local police station.
However, the initial investigation concluded that the weapons seen in the video were toys, and the case was subsequently closed. With fresh evidence now emerging, authorities have reopened the probe and transferred it to the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS).
Officials also took action against local police personnel involved in the earlier closure. The then station house officer and investigating officer have been suspended, while a circle officer has been removed from his post.
Police further said that Aqib is already facing three lookout circulars, and proceedings are underway to cancel the passports of all the accused. A man identified as Sameer from Najibabad is also being traced in connection with the case.
Authorities have now widened the investigation to track alleged associates Maizul, Aqib, and another accused, Azad, with agencies examining their international links and digital footprint as part of an expanding counter-terror probe.