The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested a 19-year-old man from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, in connection with an alleged radicalisation module linked to the ideology of Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), officials said on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, as reported in Times of India.
The accused has been identified as Maqsood Ali. He was arrested in Coimbatore with the assistance of the Tamil Nadu ATS.
Maqsood’s arrest comes days after the UP ATS detained another alleged member of the network, Mohammad Nabeel, from Azamgarh on September 12. With Maqsood’s arrest, two accused have so far been arrested in the case.
According to the UP ATS, it had received intelligence inputs about a group of individuals allegedly using multiple social media platforms to form groups and plan what the agency described as anti-national activities.
The ATS alleged that the individuals had been influenced by the ideology of Anwar al-Awlaki, an Al Qaeda-linked preacher, and were attempting to recruit young people through WhatsApp groups.
According to the agency, the alleged recruitment effort included plans to provide recruits with training to become “mujahids”, including training related to weapons and raising funds.
The UP ATS further said that individuals from different parts of India, as well as foreign nationals, were allegedly connected to the online network.
Following verification of the intelligence inputs, the UP ATS registered an FIR under Sections 152 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with Sections 18 and 38 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.
Nabeel Arrest Led Investigators To Maqsood
The first accused arrested in the case was Mohammad Nabeel, son of Mohammad Danish and a resident of Chitara Mahmoodpur village under Didarganj police station in Azamgarh.
Nabeel was arrested on September 12.
During the investigation and questioning of Nabeel, investigators identified Maqsood Ali as another alleged member of the network, according to the UP ATS.
Maqsood was subsequently arrested in Coimbatore on September 14 with the assistance of the Tamil Nadu ATS.
He was then brought to Lucknow on transit remand and produced before the competent court, where further legal proceedings are underway.
The ATS has alleged that Maqsood, Nabeel and others were involved in a conspiracy to carry out violent “jihadist” activities against India.
Alleged Links With Pakistani Hackers
The UP ATS has also alleged that Maqsood had come into contact with Pakistani hackers and was attempting to develop hacking tools.
According to the agency, Maqsood told investigators during questioning that he had learned Python, Java, coding and hacking-related skills through online resources and social media platforms.
These allegedly included Instagram, YouTube, Telegram and various WhatsApp groups.
Investigators said Maqsood had also developed a secure application named “CAPTAIN M NETWORK”.
The stated motto of the application was, “One Platform, One Motive, Unity, Plan and Action.”
According to the investigators, the application was used to connect Nabeel, Maqsood and other individuals.
The ATS said Maqsood was operating two WhatsApp accounts and was associated with several groups carrying names including “UU Entry Gate”, “United Ummah”, “Gazwa-e-Hind”, “Team Black Hat” and “Lashkar-e-Mehndi”.
Pakistani Numbers In WhatsApp Groups
According to the agency, several Pakistani numbers were associated with the groups, including numbers allegedly belonging to Pakistani hackers.
Investigators said discussions within the groups included plans to develop secure messaging applications and create a common platform for communication.
The UP ATS also alleged that jihadist and extremist material was being circulated through the groups.
The agency is continuing its investigation into the alleged network and the links between the accused individuals and others connected to the online groups.
Maqsood remains subject to further legal proceedings following his production before the competent court in Lucknow.
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