ATS arrests Muzaffarpur man over alleged anti-national acts

Patna: The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Friday arrested Mohammad Mustafa, a resident of Muzaffarpur, for allegedly working with anti-India forces and engaging in anti-national activities. Police claimed Mustafa was in direct contact with Pakistan-based arms trafficker Shahzad Bhatti and his associate Rana Hunain.

Authorities allegedly recovered digital evidence from Mustafa’s cellphone, including videos and photographs of sensitive and strategically important locations in India, which were allegedly shared with Pakistani handlers.

According to a statement issued by the ATS, “Preliminary investigations have revealed that Mohammad Mustafa, a resident of Muzaffarpur, was working for anti-India forces. He was in direct contact with the notorious Pakistan-based arms smuggler Shahzad Bhatti gang and its associates. The accused was conducting their activities through social media platforms and encrypted messaging apps.”

Acting on a tip-off, the Special Intelligence Unit of the ATS conducted a raid in Ratanpur village in Muzaffarpur district and arrested Mustafa, son of Mohammad Sagir, for alleged involvement in anti-national activities.

The ATS said digital evidence recovered from the accused pointed to a conspiracy aimed at compromising national security.

During the investigation, videos, photographs and other digital material depicting several sensitive and strategically important locations in India were allegedly recovered from the accused’s mobile phone. Preliminary investigations also revealed the accused allegedly created videos and photographs of restricted and sensitive areas and shared their precise geographical locations with Pakistani handlers.

“As part of the investigation, the accused's travel history, digital devices, social media activities, call detail records, financial transactions, and interstate and international connections are being analysed based on scientific and technical evidence. Investigations are also underway into his potential associates, the extent of his network, and foreign funding,” the ATS statement said.

Based on the findings of the preliminary investigation, a case has been registered against Mustafa under relevant sections related to espionage, anti-national activities and national security, and further legal action is being taken.

The Bihar ATS said it remained committed to taking strict action against elements working against the security, sovereignty and integrity of the country.