MP: ATS gets four-day custody of accused in suspected terror network case

Bhopal, June 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Tuesday secured a four-day remand of Naeem Abdullah, one of the accused in a case involving alleged anti-national activities and a suspected terror network, while co-accused Mohammad Faraz was sent to judicial custody for 14 days.

The accused were produced before a Bhopal court after the expiry of their earlier remand. The ATS sought further custody of Naeem Abdullah, stating that the investigation was continuing and additional interrogation was required regarding the network's digital communications, foreign contacts, financial transactions and other suspicious activities.

The court granted the ATS request and remanded Naeem Abdullah to its custody till June 20. Mohammad Faraz was sent to judicial custody.

The development comes as the ATS intensifies its probe into an alleged network that, according to preliminary investigations, attempted to recruit youths through Telegram and WhatsApp groups. Investigators suspect that social media platforms were used to reach young individuals and to circulate videos and other digital content linked to suspicious activities.

According to ATS findings, Faraz allegedly created and operated multiple online groups through which youths were contacted. Investigators believe he had been active in such digital operations for nearly four years. The agency is examining electronic devices, online communications and digital records to determine the extent of the network's activities.

So far, four persons have been arrested in the case: Mohammad Faraz from Bhopal, Naeem Abdullah from Deoband in Uttar Pradesh, Shakir Mev from Alwar in Rajasthan and Haji Azhar from Dhar in Madhya Pradesh. The ATS has also brought a suspect from Nuh, Haryana, to Bhopal for questioning as part of the investigation.

Officials are probing the network's digital footprint, alleged foreign links and financial transactions. Sources associated with the investigation said the agency is examining whether any foreign funding channels were linked to the accused and their activities. The ATS believes that further interrogation of Naeem Abdullah could yield important leads on the network's structure, contacts, and operations.

The investigation is ongoing, and officials have indicated that further arrests cannot be ruled out.

Source: IANS