Ajmal and Osama were allegedly instrumental in recruiting and influencing young Muslims to join this ideological crusade.
The Arrest That Shook UP
Weaponized Faith, Digital Jihad – In a significant counter-terrorism operation, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) arrested two individuals Ajmal Ali from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, and Dr. Osama Majeed Sheikh from Badlapur, Maharashtra, for allegedly brainwashing youth and promoting extremist ideologies through social media platforms.
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The arrests, made on August 1 and August 4 respectively, were the result of a months-long surveillance operation. Authorities uncovered a disturbing digital trail that linked the suspects to a radical WhatsApp group named Reviving Islam, which reportedly had over 400 members, including administrators based in Pakistan.
Ajmal Ali, who operated from Amroha, was found to be actively spreading anti-national content targeting non-Muslim communities. His online activities included promoting Sharia law and advocating for the overthrow of India’s democratic government. He referred to Osama Sheikh, a 26-year-old medical officer from Maharashtra, as his ideological mentor.
The Role of Social Media in Radicalization
The digital footprint of both suspects paints a chilling picture of how extremist ideologies are being disseminated in the modern age. Platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Signal were used to circulate propaganda, glorify violent jihad, and incite communal hatred.
The Reviving Islam group was not just a chatroom, it was a hub for radical content, including videos and writings from banned scholars. The group’s administrators, reportedly based in Pakistan, encouraged members to reject India’s secular framework and embrace a Sharia-based system. Ajmal and Osama were allegedly instrumental in recruiting and influencing young Muslims to join this ideological crusade.
Investigators found that Osama operated an Instagram page that served as a conduit for anti-national messaging. He also used encrypted apps to communicate with Ajmal and other group members, discussing plans to destabilize the government and incite violence.
Cross-Border Connections and Ghazwa-e-Hind
One of the most alarming revelations from the investigation was the group’s connection to Pakistani nationals. Ajmal confessed to being in regular contact with individuals across the border, and the ATS confirmed that the Reviving Islam group had multiple Pakistani administrators.
The ideology promoted by the group included references to Ghazwa-e-Hind, a concept rooted in extremist Islamic prophecy that calls for a violent conquest of India. This narrative has been used by radical groups to justify terrorism and recruit followers. The ATS believes that Ajmal and Osama were attempting to revive this ideology among Indian youth.
The suspects also reportedly discussed strategies to “topple India’s elected government” and replace it with a regime governed by Sharia law. These conversations were documented through digital surveillance and later confirmed during interrogation.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
Following their arrests, both men were booked under sections 148 and 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Ajmal was taken into judicial custody on August 1, while Osama was apprehended with assistance from Maharashtra ATS and Thane Police on August 4.
Authorities are now expanding their investigation to identify other members of the Reviving Islam network. Surveillance of social media platforms is being intensified to prevent further radicalization efforts. The ATS has not ruled out additional arrests in the coming days.
This case serves as a stark reminder of how extremist ideologies can infiltrate digital spaces and manipulate vulnerable minds. It also underscores the importance of vigilance, both online and offline, in safeguarding national security and communal harmony.
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