In a major development in an ongoing terror probe, the Uttar Pradesh Police and its Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested a key accused linked to a suspected ISIS-inspired module at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Arrest at airport after international arrival
The accused, identified as Majul, a resident of Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh, was detained on April 18 after arriving from South Africa. He had been on a lookout circular issued by the ATS, along with two other suspects believed to be in Saudi Arabia.
According to The Times of India, Amitabh Yash, Majul, was intercepted by airport authorities and subsequently handed over to the police for further action.
Case linked to viral social media video
The investigation began after a video surfaced on social media in November 2025. The clip allegedly showed youths displaying firearms during an Instagram Live session. Officials said the video was uploaded from an account linked to Majul and featured another accused, Aqib, showcasing weapons and delivering provocative content. An FIR was registered under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act, and the IT Act against multiple individuals.
Network built through online platforms
Police investigations revealed that the group allegedly used social media platforms to connect individuals and spread radical ideology. Interrogations of earlier arrested accused indicated that links were established over the past few years, including contacts made during work-related travel. Authorities suspect the group was attempting to build a network within India, recruit youth, and coordinate activities that could pose a threat to national security.
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Multiple arrests and ongoing probe
Several arrests have already been made in the case, including individuals linked through platforms like Telegram. Digital evidence recovered from their devices reportedly indicates involvement in activities deemed prejudicial to national security.
Officials also said that after earlier arrests in Meerut, one of the absconding accused advised associates to flee the country, indicating attempts to evade law enforcement.
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Larger crackdown on suspected terror activity
The arrest comes shortly after another major ATS operation earlier this month, where multiple suspects were held for allegedly planning attacks on railway infrastructure and conducting reconnaissance across cities. Majul is currently being interrogated, and investigators are working to uncover the full extent of the network and track down the remaining accused.
