Rajasthan ATS Arrests Man with Taliban Links Who Was Radicalizing Others

The Rajasthan Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) has apprehended a man suspected of attempting to radicalize others and maintaining connections with the Afghanistan-based terrorist organization Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He was arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Maulana Osama Umar, a native of Barmer in Rajasthan who had been working in Sanchore, was taken into custody along with four other individuals from different districts across Rajasthan on Saturday. After five days of extensive interrogation, Umar was formally arrested on Wednesday when investigators discovered he had been in contact with TTP for approximately four years.

During questioning, authorities learned that Umar had been pressuring four additional suspects to join the terrorist organization. He reportedly utilized internet calling services to communicate with high-ranking terrorist commanders. Law enforcement recovered two mobile phones from his possession.

The preliminary investigation by the ATS did not reveal any evidence of financial transactions or funding. Investigators also discovered that Umar had been planning to escape to Afghanistan.

MN Dinesh, Additional Director General of the ATS, informed NDTV, "The maulana was attempting to radicalize the other individuals detained by the ATS, though these people themselves were not connected to any terrorist network. He had also planned to flee to Afghanistan via Dubai. However, we managed to apprehend him in time."

ATS Inspector General Vikas Kumar stated that Umar's involvement in any terrorist activities would be established through further interrogation. He noted that Umar was motivated by a "jihadi mindset."

The other individuals arrested include Masood, Mohammad Ayub, Mohammad Junaid, and Basir. Apart from Umar, none of the others maintained connections with terrorist networks outside India.

Three of the five men interrogated by the ATS originated from the sensitive border district of Barmer.