Terrorism Investigation – Nationwide Probe Expands After Fourth Arrest in Suspected Extremist Network
Terrorism Investigation – A widening counterterrorism investigation has revealed that a suspected inter-state network of radicalised individuals may be larger and more organised than initially believed. The operation, led by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Madhya Pradesh Police, has resulted in multiple arrests across different states, raising concerns about the activities of an alleged extremist module operating in several regions of the country.
Fourth Arrest Adds New Dimension to Investigation
Authorities on Monday arrested a 65-year-old madrasa teacher, Izhar-ul-Haq, from Bihar’s Madhubani district during a joint operation conducted by the Madhya Pradesh ATS and Bihar Police. With this development, the total number of individuals arrested in the case has risen to four.
Investigators are examining Haq’s alleged involvement in efforts to reorganize a sleeper cell reportedly linked to the banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Officials believe his role could be significant in understanding the broader structure and objectives of the network under scrutiny.
Links With Foreign-Based Contacts Under Examination
According to Bihar ATS officials, preliminary findings and technical evidence suggest that Haq may have maintained contact with an individual believed to be operating from Pakistan. During the operation, law enforcement personnel seized two Android smartphones, which are currently undergoing forensic examination.
Authorities are reviewing digital records, communication history, and other electronic evidence to determine the nature and extent of his alleged connections. Investigators expect that the analysis of these devices could provide critical insights into the functioning of the suspected network.
Alleged Leadership Role Being Investigated
Sources associated with the investigation indicated that Haq may have held a leadership position within the group. Officials suspect he was responsible for identifying, influencing, and guiding individuals who were allegedly being encouraged to carry out independent attacks on selected targets.
Investigators are also examining claims that he remained in direct communication with handlers located outside India. However, officials emphasized that several aspects of the case remain under investigation and are yet to be conclusively established.
Transit Remand Granted for Further Questioning
A senior police officer confirmed that a local court in Madhubani approved a 72-hour transit remand, allowing authorities to transfer Haq to Madhya Pradesh for further questioning.
Officials believe that detailed interrogation of Haq, along with the three other accused already in custody, will help uncover the operational structure, recruitment methods, and long-term plans of the suspected network. Investigators are working to determine whether additional individuals may have been involved.
Earlier Arrests Across Multiple States
The case first came to light on June 12 after central intelligence inputs prompted the Madhya Pradesh ATS to launch a coordinated operation. The initial arrest involved Mohammed Faraz, 35, a resident of Bhopal who was employed at a homeopathy clinic in the city’s Qazi Camp area.
The following day, ATS teams arrested Naeem Abdullah Qureshi, 38, from the Nanauta region of Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district. Investigators allege that Qureshi and Faraz had previously studied together at a madrasa in Deoband and later remained in contact.
Probe Focuses on Radicalisation Network
Investigators claim that members of the suspected module used aliases and coded identities during their activities. According to officials, Faraz had allegedly been assigned the name of a deceased Pakistani militant during the course of his involvement with the group.
Security agencies continue to examine evidence collected from multiple locations as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities have stated that the probe remains active and further developments are expected as questioning and forensic analysis progress.