MP ATS busts Pakistan-linked terror network, 2 arrested in Bhopal
Synopsis
The Madhya Pradesh ATS has cracked open what investigators describe as a six-year-old Pakistan-directed terror cell operating inside India, with one suspect already holding a passport and allegedly preparing for overseas training. The alleged network's goals — radicalisation, targeted killings, and weapons acquisition — point to a long-horizon operation, not an opportunistic plot.
Key Takeaways
Madhya Pradesh ATS arrested Mohammad Faraz (Bhopal) and Naim Abdullah, 38 (Saharanpur, UP) on 13 June over alleged Pakistan-linked terror conspiracy.
The duo allegedly coordinated over encrypted platforms — Telegram and WhatsApp — for the past six years .
Anti-national documents and training materials allegedly sent from Pakistan , including material linked to Indian Mujahideen , were recovered from Faraz's phone.
Faraz had already obtained a passport and was reportedly preparing to travel abroad for training, according to police sources.
Faraz remanded to ATS custody till 16 June ; Naim Abdullah in UP ATS custody.
ATS is probing bank accounts, CDRs, social media profiles, and cross-border funding channels; further arrests are possible.
The Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has dismantled a major terror network allegedly operating under the direction of Pakistani handlers, arresting two suspects in connection with a long-term conspiracy to destabilise India through radicalisation, targeted killings, and youth recruitment. The arrests were made on 13 June, with one suspect picked up from Bhopal and the other from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
The Accused and Their Alleged Roles
The two individuals arrested are Mohammad Faraz, a resident of Kazi Camp, Bhopal, and Naim Abdullah (also referred to as Naeem), aged 38, originally from Deoband in Saharanpur district, Uttar Pradesh. According to investigators, the two had been in regular contact for the past six years, coordinating through encrypted platforms including Telegram and WhatsApp.
Faraz was produced before a court in Bhopal and remanded to ATS custody until 16 June. He is currently undergoing intensive interrogation. Naim Abdullah was arrested with assistance from the Uttar Pradesh ATS and the Special Task Force (STF) from Nanauta town in Saharanpur and remains in UP ATS custody.
What Investigators Allegedly Recovered
Anti-national documents and training materials allegedly dispatched from Pakistan were recovered from Faraz's mobile phone, according to investigators. A large quantity of religious literature, books, and suspicious digital material was seized from Naim Abdullah's residence in Saharanpur, where he reportedly stayed mostly at home.
Pakistani handlers allegedly transmitted training videos linked to groups including the Indian Mujahideen, along with propaganda material, to groom Faraz. According to police sources, Faraz was also receiving online training in targeted killings.
The Alleged Network and Its Objectives
Interrogation has reportedly revealed that Naim Abdullah introduced Faraz to a Pakistani handler approximately six years ago and allegedly incited him consistently towards radical activities. Under the handler's alleged influence, Faraz reportedly pledged to follow instructions and remain prepared for any assigned task or target.
The network's stated objectives, according to investigators, included mobilising local youths, directing members to acquire weapons, and planning a major conspiracy against India's democratic system. Members were also allegedly instructed to obtain passports for potential overseas training. Faraz had already secured his passport and was reportedly preparing to travel abroad.
What the Government Said
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, addressing the media, said the state police would 'smoke out such vipers.' Both individuals have been named in the First Information Report (FIR) registered in the case.
Investigation Going Forward
The ATS is now conducting a thorough probe into the accused's bank accounts, social media profiles, Call Detail Records (CDRs), and possible funding channels spanning India and abroad. Investigators believe further interrogation may reveal additional members of the network. This comes amid heightened security vigilance across states following recent cross-border terror-linked incidents.
Point of View
Overseas travel planned, and an alleged six-year incubation period. That timeline raises uncomfortable questions about how long such networks can remain undetected in tier-2 cities. The political optics of Chief Minister Yadav's 'smoke out vipers' framing are also notable — state governments have increasingly used high-profile ATS announcements as security-posture signals, which makes independent verification of the charges all the more important before conclusions are drawn.
NationPress
30 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were arrested in the Madhya Pradesh ATS terror network bust?
The two arrested are Mohammad Faraz, a resident of Kazi Camp in Bhopal, and Naim Abdullah (also referred to as Naeem), aged 38, from Deoband in Saharanpur district, Uttar Pradesh. Both have been named in the FIR registered in the case.
What is the alleged Pakistan connection in the MP ATS case?
According to investigators, Pakistani handlers allegedly directed the network, sending training videos linked to groups including the Indian Mujahideen and anti-national propaganda material to groom Faraz. Naim Abdullah allegedly introduced Faraz to a Pakistani handler around six years ago.
What evidence was reportedly recovered from the suspects?
Anti-national documents and training materials allegedly sent from Pakistan were recovered from Faraz's mobile phone. A large quantity of religious literature, books, and suspicious digital material was seized from Naim Abdullah's residence in Saharanpur.
What were the alleged objectives of the network?
According to investigators, the network's goals included radicalising local youths in Madhya Pradesh, directing members to acquire weapons, planning targeted killings, and organising a major conspiracy against India's democratic system. Members were also allegedly asked to secure passports for overseas training.
What happens next in the investigation?
Faraz has been remanded to ATS custody until 16 June and is undergoing intensive interrogation. Naim Abdullah remains in UP ATS custody. Investigators are probing bank accounts, social media profiles, Call Detail Records, and cross-border funding channels, and believe further arrests may follow.
