Police in Bijnor have detained two individuals in connection with separate cases involving alleged terror-linked recruitment attempts and a communal arson incident, officials said on Thursday.
Authorities in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor district on Thursday said two persons were arrested in separate investigations involving alleged anti-national activities and targeted violence, with police continuing to probe possible wider networks.
According to Circle Officer Anjani Kumar Chaturvedi, one of the accused, identified as Sameer, was detained from Najibabad after investigators found alleged links to individuals based in Saudi Arabia and South Africa.
Alleged Online Recruitment Network Under Investigation
Police said Sameer was allegedly in contact through Instagram with two individuals identified as Aqib, based in Saudi Arabia, and Majul, based in South Africa.
Investigators suspect the overseas contacts were attempting to recruit young people in India to build a terror network and encourage acts aimed at disrupting public infrastructure, including alleged plans to damage railway tracks.
During questioning, Sameer reportedly told police that he had been urged by Aqib to participate in similar activities, officials said.
The police officer added that two other accused, identified as Uvaid and Jalal, had already been arrested earlier in connection with the same case.
Lookout notices have now been issued for Aqib and Majul as agencies attempt to trace their whereabouts and examine the extent of the alleged cross-border links.
Separate Arrest in Communal Arson Case
In a separate case, police also detained Rajuram Godara, a resident of Jaisalmer, in connection with a March 4 arson incident in Kiratpur.
According to investigators, a parked vehicle was allegedly set on fire after it was identified by a religious symbol, raising concerns over possible communal targeting.
Police said three accused — Abuzar, Zaid, and Mannan — had previously been arrested in the same case.
Investigators further alleged that an individual identified as Abu Bakar had offered money through a Telegram channel to target houses belonging to members of the Hindu community.
Official Statement
Police officials said both investigations remain active and that further arrests are possible as digital communications, social media links, and financial trails are being examined.
“We are continuing the investigation into both incidents and exploring all possible links,” police said.
Why This Matters
The arrests come amid heightened security vigilance over the use of social media platforms and encrypted messaging channels for recruitment, radicalization, and coordination of unlawful activities.
Law enforcement agencies have increasingly focused on online networks that may be used to influence vulnerable youth or incite targeted violence.
Next Steps
Police said forensic analysis of mobile devices and online accounts linked to the accused is underway. Authorities are also coordinating with other agencies to trace the international contacts named in the investigation.
Further details are expected as the probe progresses.
inputs and images : Hindustan samachar
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Edited By D.Rishidhar Reddy
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