UP ATS arrested two youths for being part of a radical network called ‘Reviving Islam’ with links to Pakistan. They spread anti-national messages, promoted communal hate, and tried to influence Indian youth via social media.
Two men linked to radical group arrested by UP ATS
The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) has arrested two men for spreading anti-India content and trying to radicalise youth through social media. The accused were found to be part of a group named ‘Reviving Islam’, which runs a WhatsApp network of more than 400 Pakistani members.
The two arrested individuals are:
- Ajmal Ali from Amroha district in Uttar Pradesh
- Osama Majeed Sheikh, also known as Majeed Sheikh, from Buldhana district in Maharashtra
Both had been communicating through platforms like Instagram and the encrypted messaging app Signal. They shared content promoting communal violence, anti-national views, and called for the establishment of Sharia law in India.
The ‘Reviving Islam’ group
The group ‘Reviving Islam’ was actively sharing extremist ideas, including:
- Promoting anti-India narratives
- Encouraging communal hatred
- Supporting extremist Islamic ideologies
- Sharing videos and writings of banned Islamic scholars and groups
Ajmal Ali reportedly connected with Osama Sheikh through a WhatsApp group and started collaborating to spread radical messages online. Osama was also found operating an Instagram page used to circulate anti-national propaganda.
UP ATS crackdown
Following surveillance and investigation, UP ATS conducted a coordinated operation:
- Ajmal Ali was arrested from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh
- Osama Sheikh was held in Buldhana, Maharashtra
Both were charged under sections 148/152 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Investigations are ongoing to identify and locate other members of the same radical group.
The UP ATS stated that both men tried to influence Indian youth, especially Muslims, by misusing religion to spread false narratives. They were glorifying Sharia law while condemning India’s democratic system.
Their activity aimed to divide communities and incite violence in the name of religion, with a strong influence coming from Pakistani handlers.
More arrests likely
Authorities are now tracking other members of the ‘Reviving Islam’ network. The ATS has not ruled out more arrests in the coming days. They are also monitoring other social media platforms to prevent online radicalisation and anti-India conspiracies.