UP ATS arrests four for conspiracy against the country

In a significant crackdown on anti-national elements, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Monday arrested four individuals accused of conspiring to overthrow the democratically-elected government of India and establish Sharia law through the formation of a “Mujahideen Army” and violent jihad.

Based on credible intelligence inputs, the ATS discovered that a group of radicalized individuals from different districts of Uttar Pradesh were being influenced by extremist Pakistani organizations. These individuals had allegedly planned to incite violence and terrorism across the country with the objective of destabilizing the constitutional government and enforcing Islamic Sharia rule.

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The accused were found to be conducting secret meetings at various locations, actively participating in extremist social media groups, and spreading provocative audio and video messages to incite people toward jihad. Investigations revealed that they were raising funds to procure weapons and logistical support for future terror activities. Moreover, the group was allegedly planning targeted killings of non-Muslim religious leaders.

A case was registered under Crime No. 13/2025 at ATS Police Station, Lucknow, under Sections 148 and 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The four arrested individuals have been identified as Akmal Raza, resident of Kankarkola, Haliyapur, Sultanpur,

Safeel Salmani alias Ali Razvi, resident of Robertsganj, Sonbhadra, Mohammad Tausif, resident of 63A, Sujatganj, Nai Basti, Ghatampur, Kanpur and Qasim Ali, resident of Sarai Qadeem, Police Station Khajuriya, Rampur.

During preliminary interrogation, the accused confessed to having been planning an armed struggle (jihad) against the Indian state, motivated by their belief that Muslims in India were being oppressed. They were actively working to radicalize like-minded individuals, identify specific targets for assassination, and propagate violent jihadist literature through various channels.

The ATS seized five mobile phones, Aadhar cards, PAN cards, ATM/Debit/Credit cards and PhonePe QR scanner.

The accused will be presented before a competent court to seek their police remand to further interrogate them and uncover more information about their associates and network. Further legal proceedings are underway.