Daijiworld Media Network – Varanasi
Varanasi, May 23: In a major breakthrough, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a Varanasi-based man, identified as Tufail, son of Maqsood Alam, for allegedly spying for Pakistan and actively participating in anti-national activities through WhatsApp groups linked to Pakistani handlers.
According to an official statement issued by the ATS, the arrest was made following credible intelligence that Tufail, a resident of Doshipura, Jaitpura in Varanasi district, was involved in sharing sensitive security-related information with multiple Pakistan-based phone numbers.
The ATS revealed that Tufail was part of WhatsApp groups operated by Pakistan-backed extremist outfits intending to compromise India's sovereignty, unity and integrity. The suspect was reportedly sharing provocative content, including videos of Maulana Shad Rizvi—a key figure in the banned Pakistani outfit Tehreek-e-Labbaik—as well as radical messages advocating for Ghazwa-e-Hind, calls for vengeance over the Babri Masjid issue, and promotion of Sharia law in India.
Investigations further revealed that Tufail had shared photographs and details of strategically important Indian landmarks such as Rajghat, Namoghat, Gyanvapi mosque, Varanasi railway station, Jama Masjid, Red Fort, and Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah. He had also disseminated group links to several locals, raising serious concerns over the spread of extremist propaganda within India.
Officials confirmed that Tufail was in contact with over 600 Pakistani numbers and had developed personal ties with a woman named Nafeesa from Faisalabad, whose husband is reportedly a serving officer in the Pakistan Army. These communications were facilitated via Facebook and WhatsApp, suggesting a deeper network of coordination.
Acting on this critical input, the ATS Varanasi field unit, in coordination with ATS Headquarters in Lucknow, apprehended Tufail on May 22 from Adampur under FIR No. 05/25. He has been booked under Sections 148/152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the ATS Police Station in Lucknow.
Authorities have seized his mobile phone and SIM cards for forensic examination to trace the full extent of the digital espionage network. Tufail is scheduled to be produced before the Honourable Court for further judicial proceedings.
The ATS reiterated its commitment to cracking down on anti-national elements and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the concerned authorities.