UP ATS reveals major subversive plot against India disclosed by AQIS operative

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) made significant disclosures about a major subversive plot planned by an AQIS operative, Bilal Khan, who was allegedly working under the direction of Pakistani handlers to wage violent jihad against India.

Bilal Khan, son of Sharifullah, a resident of Papri village, Titron Nakur, Saharanpur, was arrested on September 15, 2025 for his involvement with the banned terror organization Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). He was sent to jail following his arrest and was later remanded to nine days of police custody starting November 4, 2025, for further interrogation.

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ADG law and order Amitabh Yash claimed here on Friday that during the remand, Bilal disclosed that he was in contact with nearly 4,000 Pakistani numbers and maintained regular communication with his AQIS handlers across the border. He was receiving instructions to plan and execute violent acts aimed at destabilizing the Indian state.

Investigators revealed that Bilal was highly radicalized and inspired by Asim Umar Sambhali, the first AQIS chief and a native of Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, appointed by Al-Qaeda founders Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri. Bilal actively propagated Umar’s extremist ideologies and jihadist messages on social media, glorifying violence and martyrdom.

Evidence shows Bilal was building an online network of Pakistani nationals and Indian sympathizers through various social media groups to promote anti-India propaganda. His agenda was to overthrow India’s constitutional government and establish a Sharia-based regime through violent jihad.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Bilal praised slain militants as martyrs, abused Indian security forces, and shared pro-Pakistan videos calling for the “liberation” of Kashmir. He had also taken the bay’ah (oath of allegiance) to his AQIS handler in Pakistan, confirming his active role in the banned organization.

In one of his extremist posts, he quoted AQIS chief Asim Umar saying, “If you walk the path of jihad, Mujahideen from Morocco to the Philippines will stand with you, and where their sweat falls, blood will flow.”

The ATS is continuing to question Bilal to identify his local and international associates, uncover additional sleeper cells, and trace the broader network of AQIS-linked operatives attempting to spread violent extremism in India.