Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a dental student for allegedly recruiting individuals for the banned terrorist organisation ISIS and encouraging them to carry out fidayeen (suicide) attacks, officials said.
The accused, identified as Haris Ali, a second-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) student originally from Saharanpur, was apprehended following intelligence inputs about suspected extremist activities carried out through online platforms.
According to ATS officials, the student allegedly used social media networks and encrypted messaging applications to connect with ISIS sympathisers and handlers while attempting to radicalise young people. Investigators said he created several online groups where extremist propaganda, videos and literature linked to the terror outfit were circulated.
Authorities also claim that he operated an online propaganda channel through which ISIS-related content was shared with followers to spread radical ideology and attract new recruits.
During preliminary questioning, officials said the accused allegedly supported the concept of establishing a global caliphate and encouraged members of his online groups to undertake violent acts in support of the terrorist organisation.
Investigators suspect that the student may have been in contact with foreign-based ISIS handlers, raising concerns about possible cross-border links in the radicalisation network.
A case has been registered by the ATS in Lucknow under relevant anti-terror provisions, and further investigations are underway to trace other individuals who may be connected with the alleged online module. Security agencies are also examining digital evidence to determine the scale of the network and its activities.
