The Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Tuesday, 16 June secured a four-day remand of accused Naeem Abdullah in connection with an alleged anti-national activities case involving a suspected terror network operating through social media. Co-accused Mohammad Faraz was simultaneously sent to 14-day judicial custody by a Bhopal court.

Court Proceedings and Custody Orders

Both accused were produced before the Bhopal court following the expiry of their earlier remand period. The ATS submitted that the investigation was actively continuing and that further interrogation of Naeem Abdullah was essential to uncover the network's digital communications, foreign contacts, and financial transactions. The court accepted the agency's plea and remanded Abdullah to ATS custody until 20 June.

Mohammad Faraz, in contrast, was moved to judicial custody for 14 days, as investigators had already completed the immediate phase of his questioning.

How the Alleged Network Operated

According to ATS findings, the suspected network allegedly used Telegram and WhatsApp groups to recruit young individuals and circulate digital content linked to suspicious activities. Investigators believe Faraz created and administered multiple such online groups and had reportedly been active in these digital operations for nearly four years. The agency is currently examining electronic devices, online communications, and digital records to map the full extent of the network's reach.

Accused Arrested Across Multiple States

So far, four persons have been arrested in the case: Mohammad Faraz from Bhopal, Naeem Abdullah from Deoband, Uttar Pradesh, Shakir Mev from Alwar, Rajasthan, and Haji Azhar from Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, a suspect from Nuh, Haryana has been brought to Bhopal for questioning, indicating the alleged network's multi-state footprint.

Foreign Links and Financial Probe

Investigators are examining whether any foreign funding channels were linked to the accused, according to sources associated with the investigation. The ATS believes that further interrogation of Naeem Abdullah could yield critical leads on the network's structure, key contacts, and operational methods. Officials have indicated that further arrests cannot be ruled out as the probe deepens.

This comes amid a broader national focus on social media-driven radicalisation, with agencies across states increasingly flagging the use of encrypted messaging platforms to evade detection. The Madhya Pradesh ATS probe is among the more expansive such cases, spanning at least five states.