Daijiworld Media Network – Bhopal
Bhopal, Oct 24: A 20-year-old aspiring Chartered Accountant from Bhopal has been arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell for his alleged links with an ISIS-inspired terror module. The operation was carried out with the assistance of the Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).
According to police sources, the accused hails from a middle-class family. His father works as an accountant, while his mother is a homemaker. Despite his modest background and focus on academics, investigators say the youth had been radicalised online and drawn into the web of ISIS propaganda through encrypted social media groups.
Earlier brush with law enforcement
This is not the first time the youth came under the scanner of law enforcement agencies. Around sixteen months ago, the Uttar Pradesh ATS had detained him for allegedly posting a threatening message to the judge handling the Gyanvapi Mosque case — the same judge who had ordered an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) examination of the disputed Varanasi site.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the youth was part of several WhatsApp groups based in Lucknow linked to ISIS sympathisers. While preparing for his CA exams in Bhopal, he allegedly maintained constant contact with radical handlers, consuming extremist content and promoting their ideology.
Officials believe the young man was systematically indoctrinated by ISIS-linked recruiters who exploited his curiosity and isolation through online interaction. His phone and laptop have been seized, and forensic experts are currently analysing his digital footprint to identify others connected to the network.
Second ISIS-related arrest from Madhya Pradesh
This arrest marks the second ISIS-related case reported from Madhya Pradesh within a month. Earlier, the Delhi Police Special Cell had nabbed 26-year-old Kamran Qureshi from Biaora town in Rajgarh district. Qureshi, who worked as a typist for a lawyer and a computer operator in a pathology lab, was also found to be associated with ISIS-inspired online networks.
Police officials said further investigation is underway to uncover the full extent of the terror module and its operations across state lines.