Uttar Pradesh ATS Arrests Two Linked to Pakistani Handlers

Arrests Made by Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad

On Friday, officials confirmed that the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) apprehended two individuals suspected of connections to handlers based in Pakistan. According to Amitabh Yash, the Additional Director General (Law and Order) of UP, the arrests took place in Bulandshahr district, identifying the suspects as Mohammad Umar and Faizan. During a press conference, ADG Yash revealed that the accused were operating under the directives of a network linked to the ISI, which is managed by gangsters Shahzad Bhatti and Abid Jat residing in Pakistan.

Yash stated that under the guidance of the ISI, the terrorist network led by Pakistani gangsters Shahzad Bhatti and Abid Jat was involved in creating sleeper cells and promoting terrorist activities through various social media platforms. The ATS arrested the two suspects, Mohammad Umar and Faizan, on June 17, 2026. He further mentioned that digital evidence, including videos of posters, was recovered from the suspects.

The ADG explained that at the behest of these Pakistani gangsters, the suspects aimed to instill fear by posting images of Abid Jat in different locations. They were also tasked with scouting army cantonments. Videos of Abid Jat's posters and other digital evidence were seized. Legal proceedings are underway, and cases have been registered against the arrested individuals under relevant sections of the law.

In response to the arrests, one suspect's father, Salimuddin, denied any wrongdoing and claimed that his son had gone on a short trip. He informed that his son was apprehended in Mussoorie, where he had gone for a three-day vacation. He mentioned that some posters had been put up, and they only learned about the situation the previous day. Salimuddin stated that if his son has committed any offense, the government should punish him; otherwise, he should be released.