The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested two individuals for allegedly conspiring and attempting to incite religious tensions in India.
The accused were identified as as Usama Maj Sheikh and Ajmal Ali.
As per reports, the investigation revealed that the duo was involved in spreading communal hatred, promoting the enforcement of Sharia law, and attempting to brainwash youth through social media platforms.
Authorities uncovered a WhatsApp group named “Reviving Islam” with around 400 members, including three administrators from Pakistan.
One of the numbers linked to this group was traced to Ajmal Ali, a resident of Amroha near Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh.
Ajmal was reportedly using social media to disseminate radical and anti-national messages targeting non-Muslim communities.
During interrogation, Ajmal admitted to maintaining contact with several individuals in Pakistan and identified Dr Usama Maj Sheikh, a Maharashtra resident, as his mentor.
The two communicated via Instagram and the Signal app, discussing plans to overthrow the Indian government and establish Sharia law.
Ajmal was apprehended in Lucknow on August 1, while Dr Usama was arrested in Badlapur, Maharashtra, on August 4.
The ATS stated that both men were coordinating with Pakistani contacts and planning to promote violent jihad and the concept of Ghazwa-e-Hind through online platforms.
They were also reportedly encouraging Muslim youth to act against non-Muslims and engage in anti-national activities.
