Lucknow – In a significant counter-terrorism operation, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Monday apprehended four individuals allegedly involved in a plot to establish a radical outfit named the “Mujahideen Army.” According to UP Police, the group aimed to overthrow India’s democratic system and replace it with Sharia law through violent jihad.
A police statement revealed that the suspects were influenced by extremist organizations in Pakistan and were actively plotting to dismantle the democratically elected government. “These individuals were meeting at different locations across Uttar Pradesh, engaging in radical activities through social media platforms, and inciting others via audio chats and videos,” the statement said.
The accused were reportedly gathering funds to procure arms and other materials necessary for carrying out acts of terrorism. Authorities also discovered that the group had plans to target non-Muslim religious leaders in the near future.
The four arrested suspects have been identified as:
Akmal Raza from Sultanpur
Safeel Salmani alias Ali Razvi from Robertsganj, Sonbhadra
Mohd. Tausif from Ghatampur, Kanpur
Qasim Ali, son of Babbu Shah, from Sarai Qadeem, Rampur
Initial interrogation indicated that the group’s motive was to “wage jihad against infidels,” citing perceived oppression of Muslims. They were reportedly trying to radicalize and recruit individuals who shared their extremist ideology. Authorities said the group was distributing violent jihadist literature and had initiated efforts to form an armed cell.
The ATS has registered an FIR under Section 148/152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at ATS Police Station in Lucknow. Officials recovered five mobile phones, Aadhaar and PAN cards, multiple debit/credit cards, and a PhonePe scanner during the operation.
The suspects will be produced in court, and police will seek custody remand to uncover further details about their network and associates. Legal proceedings are underway.
