In a series of operations under the guise of cracking down on an alleged ISIS module, the Uttar Pradesh Police, particularly the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), has arrested nine individuals associated with Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in the past two months. The arrests were made based on an FIR filed on November 3, 2023, against 10 persons, citing charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
According to ATS officials, the charges include “conspiracy against the state,” “collecting arms to wage war against the government of India,” “conspiring or attempting to commit a terrorist act,” and “recruiting people for terrorist acts and association with any terror group.”
The ATS alleges that the accused individuals were part of an Islamic State module operating in Aligarh, aiming to spread terror and carry out violent acts across the country.
The arrests began on November 5, 2023, with Abdullah Arsalan (25) and Maaz Bin Tariq (26), both former students of AMU. Subsequent arrests included Wajihudeen, Raqib Imam, Mohammad Noman, Naved Siddiqui, Mohammad Nazim, Abdul Samad Malik, and Amas alias Faraz Ahmad.
ATS claims to have recovered printed literature of ISIS and Al Qaeda Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), along with a pen drive containing ISIS propaganda from the arrested persons. The recovered materials allegedly promote terrorism and anti-national ideology.
The ATS had previously announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for Abdul Samad Malik and Amas alias Faraz Ahmad, who were the latest to be arrested on January 8, 2024.
All the arrested individuals were linked to SAMU (Students of Aligarh Muslim University), an informal student body active within the campus for years.
According to the police, the youth were allegedly planning to overthrow the government through violent jihad and impose Sharia law, according to the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).
The group, connected through SAMU meetings, is accused of distributing ISIS literature, recruiting like-minded individuals, and conducting physical and mental training for jihad at secret locations.
The police claim they used both online platforms and in-person meetings for these activities. SAMU, previously known for a 2008 campaign against immorality called ‘Al-Haya Min Allah’.
The Mumbai ATS reportedly presented a similar account regarding recent arrests in Maharashtra, suggesting a connection between the cases.
An AMU official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told The Wire that the narrative the police were trying to build was “baseless.” While stressing that the charges stated by the ATS were yet to be proven, the official said that the university had a “zero tolerance” policy against such deviance.
“There is no compromise in that regard and the university is more than willing to co-operate [in the investigation],” the official said.