The suspects were identified as Fardeen Shaikh of Fatehwadi (Ahmedabad), Saifulla Qureshi of Modasa (Gujarat), Mohammad Faik of Chandni Chowk (Delhi) and Zeeshan Ali of Noida (Uttar Pradesh). | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The anti-terrorist group (ATS) Gujaratian police said on Wednesday (July 23, 2025) that it had arrested four suspects from different parts of the country for alleged promotion of al-Qaeda ideology in the Indian subcontinent (AQIS) through social media through social media. Officials said the suspects were actively encouraging the youth to jihad and violent against national activities online.
According to Deputy ATS Superintendant Police Hard Umphyay, the operation was launched according to intelligence inputs on five Instagram accounts, which allegedly spread the inflammatory and anti -national content of radicalizing youth and encourage terrorist activities and riots in India.
The suspects were identified as Fardeen Shaikh of Fatehwadi (Ahmedabad), Saifulla Qureshi of Modasa (Gujarat), Mohammad Faik of Chandni Chowk (Delhi) and Zeeshan Ali of Noida (Uttar Pradesh).
The ATS, which was on news, represented four teams and performed coordinated operations across Ahmedabad, Modasa, Delhi and Noida 21 and 22 July. Operations were performed with coordinating central agencies, Delhi Police Special Cell and Uttar Pradesh ATS.
The investigation revealed that the group allegedly promoted the ideology of AQIS under the auspices of “Ghazwa-E-Hind” and encouraged followers to get weapons. The suspects reportedly spread jihadist videos and literature through social media accounts.
During the ATS search operations, he restored AQIS literature and Fardeen Shaikh’s sword. Officials stated that the sword was allegedly intended for use in an anti-national jihad. The video obtained from Shaikh’s phone reportedly showed that the weapon had marked.
The authorities also stated that the mobile content of all four Instagram accounts contained the material supporting jihad, “Ghazwa-E-Hind” and stimulated violence against Indian democratic institutions.
“The aim of this propaganda was to undermine Indian democracy by urging the establishment of Sharia by compatible or alternative Islamic administration by armed violence,” the officials said.
As part of the ongoing ATS investigation, it audits 25 sensitive and 62 related Instagram accounts.
The cases were registered against the accused pursuant to sections 13, 18, 38 and 39 of the Act on illegal activities (prevention) of 1967 and the relevant provisions of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhit.
Published – 23 July 2025 22:36
