Two Arrested in Bijnor for Alleged Links to Anti-National Activities

Significant Arrests in Bijnor District

In a notable operation in Bijnor district, Uttar Pradesh, law enforcement officials have apprehended two individuals. They are accused of having connections with a so-called 'Pakistani handler' named Aqib, who resides in Dubai, and of engaging in activities deemed anti-national. The situation escalated when a previously issued 'clean chit' was revoked, leading to the case being handed over to the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

According to Anjani Kumar Chaturvedi, the Circle Officer of Najibabad, the arrests of Uwaid Malik and Jalal Haider occurred on Friday.

The officer revealed that both suspects were in contact with Aqib, who is based in Meerut. A video surfaced on Instagram showing Aqib displaying an AK-47 and explosives. During interrogation, the suspects disclosed that Aqib incited them to recruit individuals for anti-Hindu and anti-national activities.

Background of the Investigation

The police are currently conducting thorough questioning of the two detainees. Previously, on April 6, Superintendent of Police Abhishek Jha mentioned that the video had emerged in November of the previous year. In the footage, Aqib, a resident of Sathla village in the Mawana area of Meerut, allegedly showcases an AK-47 rifle and grenades. Following the video's circulation, Sub-Inspector Vinod Kumar filed a report at the Nangla police station.

The then-station officer and investigating officer, Satyendra Singh, recorded Aqib's statement and submitted a final report claiming that the weapons shown in the video were toys. This led to Aqib receiving a clean chit. However, recent developments have revealed some suspicious connections involving Aqib, prompting the ATS to take over the investigation.

SP Abhishek Jha confirmed that Satyendra Singh, the former station officer and investigating officer, has been suspended, and Circle Officer Nitesh Pratap Singh has been removed from his position.