Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested Mohammad Raza, identified as the alleged mastermind of a group planning to form a “Mujahideen Army” with the aim of toppling the Indian government and enforcing Sharia law.
Raza, a native of Andauli in Fatehpur district and currently residing in Mallapuram, Kerala, was detained on September 29 and brought to Lucknow on transit remand. According to ATS officials, he is accused of leading the conspiracy and directing its activities.
Four other members of the group, Akmal Raza, Safeel Salmani alias Ali Razvi, Mohammad Tausif, and Qasim Ali, were arrested earlier and are in judicial custody. The ATS said the group was influenced by radical Pakistani organisations and was attempting to raise funds for weapons procurement and targeted killings of non-Muslim religious leaders.
Investigators revealed that money had been credited into Mohammad Raza’s account for financing the alleged operations. The accused were also holding meetings in different locations and using social media platforms to spread extremist propaganda.
The ATS statement said intelligence indicated that the group sought to overthrow the elected government by violent means. During initial questioning, the arrested men admitted they were preparing to wage what they called “jihad against kafirs” and were gathering jihadi literature to further radicalise people.
Raza is expected to be presented before a Special Court following his transit remand. Authorities said further investigation is underway to uncover the network and prevent recruitment into extremist activity.
