Uttarakhand STF arrests Mohammad Salauddin for spreading jihadist ideology online, pistol, detonators and AK-47 cartridges recovered

Uttarakhand STF arrests Mohammad Salauddin over alleged online jihadist radicalisation and weapons recovery.
STF recovered a pistol, detonators and AK-47 cartridges after arresting Mohammad Salauddin. (Image: Uttarakhand STF)

On 17th June, the Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) arrested Mohammad Salauddin, a resident of Gadarpur in Udham Singh Nagar, for using social media platforms to radicalise youth and promote extremist and anti-national ideology.

According to police officials, Salauddin was taken into custody following intelligence inputs. The STF said that he was using platforms including Instagram, Telegram and Signal to influence young people and connect them with radical and jihadist ideology.

Speaking to the media, the STF Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) said that the accused was attempting to promote activities that could harm social harmony, national unity, integrity and security.

He said, “Acting on confidential intelligence inputs, Mohammad Salauddin, son of Abdul Malik and a resident of Gadarpur in Udham Singh Nagar district, was taken into custody for questioning. He is accused of using various social media platforms, including Instagram, Telegram, and Signal, to influence young people and allegedly promote radical and jihadist ideology, while attempting to encourage activities detrimental to social harmony, national unity, integrity, and security.”

Radical chats found on Telegram and Signal

The STF said that during the examination of Salauddin’s phone, investigators found several groups, chats and messages on Telegram and Signal linked to jihad, martyrdom and anti-national ideology.

Preliminary investigation indicated that attempts were being made to mislead young people and push them towards extremist beliefs. The STF said that the accused had developed radical views after being influenced by certain incidents.

Officials also found that some chats and contacts had been deleted by the accused. The STF said that technical and forensic examination of the mobile phone and other digital material is underway.

Weapons and explosive materials recovered

Following interrogation, the STF carried out a late-night search operation and recovered an English pistol, five cartridges, four detonators and two AK-47 cartridges. Furthermore, authorities also came across suspicious chats related to the safe storage and movement of weapons and explosive materials. The STF said these conversations are being examined through technical and forensic methods.

Possible Pakistan and Malaysia handler link under investigation

According to SSP Singh, preliminary interrogation and intelligence inputs suggest that Salauddin was in contact with a Pakistan-linked handler based in Malaysia. The STF said that the accused was reportedly preparing to carry out a specific incident, though further details have not been disclosed.

The agency is now trying to decode the suspected network and the possible role of foreign handlers. Investigators are also examining the extent of alleged international and cross-border connections through social media networks.

Rampur contact under scanner

The STF said that Salauddin was also in contact with a person from Rampur in Uttar Pradesh. The role of this individual is now under investigation. Based on the information obtained from the accused, a special team of the Uttarakhand STF is also conducting raids in Uttar Pradesh to identify and arrest others allegedly linked to the network.

Case registered under BNS and IT Act

Considering the seriousness of the allegations, the STF arrested Salauddin under Sections 152 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Sections 66(C) and 66(F) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Further investigation is underway.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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