Two men were arrested in Noida after the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad said it uncovered a suspected Pakistan-linked sleeper cell network operating through social media. Investigators alleged the pair were in contact with handlers across the border and were planning a major disruptive act in India.
The case points to concerns over the use of online platforms, encrypted communication and financial inducements to recruit people for violent activities, according to the investigation.
The arrests were made on Thursday in an intelligence-led operation. The accused were identified as Tushar Chauhan, also known as Hizbullah Ali Khan, from Meerut, and Sameer Khan from Delhi, PTI reported.
The ATS alleged the network was linked to operatives associated with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence, organised crime groups and what officials described as radical YouTubers based across the border. Investigators said the group used social media channels to identify and influence potential recruits.
A pistol, ammunition and a knife were recovered after the arrests, according to PTI.
Officials said Indian youth were targeted with promises of money and radical messaging aimed at disturbing communal harmony. Investigators alleged recruits were encouraged to carry out surveillance of sensitive locations and conduct targeted killings, with a focus on people who had renounced Islam.
During questioning, Chauhan allegedly told investigators he first made contact with Pakistani operatives Shahzad Bhatti and Abid Jatt through Instagram before moving to encrypted voice and video calls.
Police said Chauhan was later asked to carry out grenade attacks on selected targets and was promised weapons for the operation. Investigators alleged he was offered Rs 50,000 in advance and a further Rs 2.5 lakh after completion of the mission.
Handlers also allegedly offered to help him flee to Pakistan through Dubai once the task was completed, an officer said.
According to police, Khan was assigned recruitment work and a propaganda campaign that involved writing "Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan" on public walls to signal the group's presence and attract more associates.
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