2 Former, 1 Current Student Of AMU Among 4 Arrested By Uttar Pradesh ATS For ISIS Links; Banned Literature Seized

Days after apprehending three alleged ISIS operatives, the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of the Uttar Pradesh Police arrested four associates, including two former and one current student of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), for their purported links with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), according to a statement released by the agency.

The statement mentioned the arrest of 29-year-old Rakib Imam Ansari, a BTech and MTech graduate from AMU in Aligarh on Friday. On Saturday, the ATS detained Naved Siddiqui (23), a BSc student at Aligarh Muslim University; Mohd Noman (27), a BA (Honours) graduate from the university; and 23-year-old Mohd Nazim, a graduate from Sambhal.

Mohit Agarwal, ADG, ATS, stated, "UP ATS has so far arrested seven persons of the module. Further investigation into the case is ongoing." The ATS reported the seizure of banned ISIS literature, mobile phones, and pen drives from the arrested individuals.

AMU authorities mentioned that the UP Police and ATS have not yet verified the credentials of the arrested individuals. The ATS statement indicated that the recent arrests were made based on information gathered from the three previously arrested suspects.

According to the ATS, Nazim came into contact with the module through Noman and others. The arrested persons are associated with ISIS and were allegedly planning attacks within and outside the state, Indian Express reported.

The statement added that they were distributing ISIS literature to persuade people to join the organization and were using online platforms and secret meetings to prepare individuals for jihad. The accused reportedly came in contact with each other during meetings of SAMU (Students of Aligarh Muslim University).

Last week, two individuals were arrested who were found to be associated with the SAMU. The arrestee Arsalan holds a BTech degree in petroleum chemical engineering from a private university, while Tariq was pursuing a BCom degree through distance learning.