MP ATS busts Pakistan-linked terror network, arrests Bhopal man Mohammad Faraz
Synopsis
The Madhya Pradesh ATS has arrested a Bhopal man allegedly running a Pakistan-guided radicalisation network that was grooming youths for lone-wolf attacks and terror training abroad. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav says the bust stopped a plot that could have posed a serious threat to national security — with jihadi literature recovered and a second accused also charged.
Key Takeaways
Mohammad Faraz , 35 , of Bhopal's Qazi Camp was arrested by the Madhya Pradesh ATS for alleged links to a Pakistan-guided terror network.
Faraz allegedly operated across multiple WhatsApp and Telegram groups to radicalise youths in India and abroad.
A large quantity of alleged jihadi literature was recovered; Faraz had reportedly obtained a passport for overseas terror training.
He was remanded to police custody until 16 June by a special court in Bhopal .
Cases have been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against Faraz and a second accused.
CM Mohan Yadav credited the ATS for averting what he called a serious national security threat.
The Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested Mohammad Faraz, 35, a resident of Bhopal's Qazi Camp area, for allegedly operating within a radicalised terror network guided by a Pakistan-based handler. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday, 13 June praised the state police for the timely intervention, saying the bust had averted what could have been a serious threat to national security.
What the ATS Uncovered
According to ATS officials, Faraz had allegedly been in contact with a Pakistan-based handler through intermediaries for several years. He is accused of operating across multiple WhatsApp and Telegram groups involving radicalised individuals from both India and abroad. Investigators allege that members of this network were being motivated to carry out targeted attacks, including potential lone-wolf strikes.
A large cache of alleged jihadi literature was recovered during the operation, which officials say underscores the seriousness of the case. Faraz had also reportedly secured a passport and was allegedly preparing to travel abroad for terror-linked activities, including training.
What the Chief Minister Said
'The Madhya Pradesh Police timely uncovered a conspiracy that could have posed a serious threat to the nation's security. The police not only arrested the accused in time but also exposed his entire network and the conspiracy itself,' Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said during a press interaction on Saturday.
Yadav further stated that the recovery of jihadi literature reflected both the gravity of the alleged plot and the operational capability of the state's law enforcement. He added that the government is 'continuously working to strengthen the police force' through regular recruitment and filling of vacant sanctioned posts.
Legal Proceedings
Faraz was produced before a special court in Bhopal, which remanded him to police custody until 16 June for further interrogation. A case has been registered against him and a second accused under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Broader Context and What Happens Next
This comes amid heightened security vigilance across India following a series of terror-related arrests in multiple states in recent months. The alleged use of social media platforms for radicalisation and cross-border handler networks has been a recurring pattern flagged by intelligence agencies. Notably, the ATS's focus on lone-wolf recruitment through encrypted messaging apps mirrors tactics documented in earlier cases in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Investigators are expected to continue interrogating Faraz through 16 June to map the full extent of the network. The second accused named in the case has not yet been publicly identified, and further arrests are possible as the probe widens.
Point of View
Still-unnamed accused signals investigators believe the network extends beyond Faraz. Whether the ATS can roll up the wider cell before handlers pivot to new intermediaries will be the real test of this operation's success.
NationPress
30 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mohammad Faraz and why was he arrested?
Mohammad Faraz is a 35-year-old resident of Bhopal's Qazi Camp area arrested by the Madhya Pradesh ATS for allegedly being part of a radicalised terror network guided by a Pakistan-based handler. He is accused of recruiting youths through WhatsApp and Telegram groups and preparing for anti-national activities, including potential lone-wolf attacks.
What evidence did the MP ATS recover during the arrest?
ATS officials recovered a large quantity of alleged jihadi literature from Faraz. Investigators also allege he had secured a passport and was preparing to travel abroad for terror-linked training, indicating an advanced stage of operational planning.
What charges have been filed against Mohammad Faraz?
Faraz and a second accused have been charged under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He was remanded to police custody until 16 June by a special court in Bhopal.
What did CM Mohan Yadav say about the ATS operation?
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav praised the Madhya Pradesh Police for uncovering the alleged conspiracy in time, saying it could have posed a serious threat to national security. He also said the government is working to strengthen the police force through regular recruitment and filling of vacant posts.
How does this case connect to broader terror trends in India?
The alleged use of encrypted messaging platforms for cross-border radicalisation and lone-wolf recruitment mirrors patterns documented in earlier ATS and NIA cases in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Security agencies have increasingly flagged Pakistan-based handlers operating through intermediaries on apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to evade direct detection.
