Lucknow, March 17 (NationPress) The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has apprehended a 19-year-old BDS student from Moradabad due to alleged affiliations with an online module linked to the terrorist group ISIS, as reported by officials on Tuesday.

The individual, identified as Harish Ali, resides in Mankamau village under the jurisdiction of the Qutub Sher Police Station in Saharanpur district.

While pursuing his Bachelor of Dental Surgery studies in Moradabad, the accused was reportedly engaged in activities related to the extremist organization’s online network.

Officials stated, "While studying in Moradabad, the BDS student was simultaneously involved with the ISIS online module. The ATS has seized evidence linking him to this terrorist group. Currently, Harish Ali is undergoing interrogation by the ATS."

Sources indicate that the Uttar Pradesh ATS had been receiving intelligence reports suggesting that certain individuals across various Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, were acting as active participants in an ISIS-affiliated module.

These individuals reportedly established groups on encrypted communication platforms like Session and Discord with the aim of disseminating ISIS' extremist ideology and broadening its network.

"These individuals have formed groups on different encrypted applications -- such as Session and Discord -- to advocate for ISIS' terrorist jihadist ideology. There is a focused effort to recruit as many individuals as possible into these groups. Propaganda material, as well as the organization's ideological principles and directives, are being extensively circulated. They are orchestrating a conspiracy to carry out significant terrorist attacks within India under the banner of ISIS," officials added.

Acting on precise intelligence provided by informants, and after validating the information through both physical and electronic surveillance, the ATS initiated a case in January at the ATS Police Station in Lucknow.

This case was lodged under Sections 148, 152, and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Sections 18, 18-B, and 38 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, according to officials.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Ali allegedly collaborated with ISIS module handlers and other associates known as 'Mujahid' within the country.

According to the ATS, Ali was part of a network designed to undermine the democratically elected government and promote a governance system based on Sharia law under a so-called Caliphate.

Officials noted that Ali had established several ISIS-affiliated groups on social media platforms, including Instagram, as well as encrypted messaging platforms like Session and Discord.

Through these groups, investigators claim he actively sought to recruit like-minded individuals and distribute extremist propaganda.

The groups were allegedly utilized to share content originating from ISIS media outlets, including magazines, ideological material, and propaganda publications.

Officials stated that the material shared in these groups also comprised images, videos, and audio recordings related to deceased terrorists, as well as speeches delivered by notable ISIS ideologues.

The investigation revealed that Ali's network extended beyond India, allegedly involving communication with ISIS handlers in Pakistan and several other foreign nations.

In an effort to further disseminate the ISIS agenda in India, authorities indicated that Ali had also created a separate group titled 'Al-Ittihad Media Foundation.'

"As a committed member of ISIS, he closely monitored the organization’s media and news outlet, Al-Naba, along with its propaganda magazine, Dabiq. Ali rejects the democratic system; his goal, which aligns with ISIS' intentions, was to establish a Caliphate governed by Sharia law through Jihad. He utilized these groups to incite individuals to execute Fidayeen (suicide) attacks," officials stated.

Meanwhile, authorities reported that the residence of the accused in Mankamau village was found locked during inquiries.

Neighbors in the locality indicated that Ali and his family had lived there since his childhood and that they had never witnessed any suspicious behavior associated with him or his family.

Local residents informed investigators that the family has long been respected and well-regarded within the community.

Officials noted that the young man’s parents and grandparents are engaged in farming, while both his brother and sister are medical professionals.

Residents further mentioned that Ali would return home only once a year, typically remaining indoors during those visits and rarely interacting with anyone outside of his family.

Despite the emerging allegations, neighbors maintained that the family has consistently been known locally as a decent and respectable household.