On 15th March, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested a second year BDS student for maintaining links with a module of the banned terrorist organisation ISIS and attempting to radicalise youths through social media platforms. The accused has been identified as 19-year-old Haris Ali. He is a resident of Saharanpur district and was arrested from Moradabad.
𝐔𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐡: The Anti terror squad has arrested a student of BDS 2nd year for his alleged link with ISIS.
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) March 16, 2026
The press release of ATS says that the agency had information that some people were active as members of ISIS.
After a detailed investigation, they arrested… pic.twitter.com/xu6T0UHIlW
According to officials, intelligence inputs had been received for some time indicating that certain individuals in UP and other parts of the country were connected with an ISIS-linked module. These handlers, some reportedly based in Pakistan, were trying to radicalise people by promoting jihadist ideology and advocating the establishment of a Sharia-based caliphate across the world, including in India.
Social media groups used for propaganda and recruitment
According to investigators, Haris and his associates created groups on platforms such as Instagram as well as encrypted messaging applications including Session and Discord. Through these platforms, they circulated ISIS propaganda material, ideological content and operational instructions while attempting to recruit more individuals and expand the organisation’s network in India.
The ATS said Haris also created a digital platform named “Al Ittihad Media Foundation”, which was used to distribute provocative videos, posts and extremist content linked to ISIS. Officials stated he regularly followed ISIS-affiliated media channels such as Al Naba and accessed the organisation’s propaganda magazine Dabiq.
During questioning, Ali reportedly admitted that he did not believe in India’s democratic system and instead supported the establishment of Sharia law and a caliphate style governance structure.
Use of pseudonyms and VPN to conceal identity
Officials stated that the accused used pseudonyms and virtual private networks (VPNs) to conceal his identity while operating multiple online accounts. Through these accounts, he reportedly shared photographs, videos and audio clips of slain ISIS militants and speeches of prominent ideologues glorifying terrorist activities.
The ATS said extensive physical and electronic surveillance was conducted before registering a case in Lucknow and launching a detailed investigation.
Investigators are now attempting to trace other members of the suspected network, as several associates of Haris Ali are believed to have gone underground following his arrest. Meanwhile, local police and intelligence units have begun examining his contacts in Moradabad to determine whether he had any local collaborators.
