Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow

Lucknow, Mar 17: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has detained a 19-year-old Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) student from Moradabad over suspected connections with an online network linked to the terrorist organisation ISIS, officials said on Tuesday.

The accused, identified as Harish Ali, hails from Mankamau village under the Qutub Sher police station limits in Saharanpur district.

According to investigators, Ali had been staying in Moradabad to pursue his dental studies when he allegedly became involved in activities connected to an extremist online module.

Officials stated that preliminary evidence recovered by the ATS indicates that the student was active in online groups associated with ISIS. Authorities are currently questioning him to gather further details about the network and his role in it.

Investigators revealed that intelligence agencies had earlier received credible inputs about individuals operating across several Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, who were allegedly part of an ISIS-linked digital network. These individuals were reportedly using encrypted platforms such as Session and Discord to communicate and promote extremist ideology.

According to officials, the groups were allegedly created to circulate ISIS propaganda and recruit new members. Authorities believe the network was attempting to spread jihadist ideology and coordinate potential terror activities within the country.

Acting on specific intelligence and after conducting both electronic monitoring and ground-level surveillance, the ATS registered a case in January at its police station in Lucknow. The case has been filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act related to terrorism and unlawful organisations.

During the investigation, the ATS claimed that Ali was in contact with handlers connected to the ISIS module and other associates described as “Mujahid” within India. Officials allege the network’s broader aim was to undermine the democratic system and promote governance based on Sharia law under a self-declared Caliphate.

Authorities also claim the accused created several groups on social media platforms such as Instagram as well as encrypted messaging services like Session and Discord. These groups were allegedly used to share ISIS propaganda materials, including magazines, ideological documents, and directives issued by the organisation.

Investigators said the content circulated through these channels included images, videos, audio clips of slain militants, and speeches by prominent ISIS ideologues. The ATS further alleges that Ali was in contact with ISIS handlers based in Pakistan and other foreign countries.

Officials also said the accused had set up a separate online platform called “Al-Ittihad Media Foundation,” which they believe was intended to further promote ISIS propaganda within India. According to investigators, Ali reportedly followed ISIS media outlets such as the group’s newsletter Al-Naba and its propaganda magazine Dabiq, and allegedly encouraged individuals in his networks to carry out suicide attacks.

Meanwhile, when ATS officials visited Ali’s residence in Mankamau village during the investigation, the house was found locked. Neighbours told authorities that the family had lived in the village for many years and had never been associated with suspicious activities.

Residents described the family as respectable and well-regarded in the community. According to locals, Ali’s parents and grandparents are engaged in farming, while his brother and sister work in the medical field.

Villagers also said the student rarely visited home, usually returning only once a year. During those visits, they noted, he mostly stayed indoors and had minimal interaction with people outside his family.

Despite the serious allegations now under investigation, neighbours maintained that the family had long been known locally as a decent and respectable household. Authorities said the probe is ongoing and further details may emerge as the interrogation continues.