Representational photo NEW DELHI: Two men arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor have told police that a Pakistan-linked handler was trying to build a network in India using social media platforms. The handler is currently based in Saudi Arabia and had been reaching out to people online, police said on Saturday.Uvaid Malik and Jalal Haider were arrested after a tip-off about their alleged links with Aqib, a native of Sathla village in Meerut’s Mawana area, who is now in West Asia. Aqib had earlier come under attention after a video surfaced on Instagram on November 23, where he was allegedly seen with an AK-47 rifle and explosives, circle officer Najibabad, Anjani Kumar Chaturvedi, said on Saturday.During questioning, the two accused told police that Aqib used Instagram to spread inflammatory content and incite youngsters against Hindus. Police said he also encouraged anti-national activities through his posts.Investigators found that Uvaid and Jalal had come in contact with Aqib and another person, Maizul, around three years ago while working in Surat. Maizul is currently based in South Africa and is believed to be part of the same network.Police said Uvaid was planning to flee to Nepal on the advice of his contacts. Teams are now searching for Aqib, Maizul, Sameer and Azad in connection with the case.PollDo you believe social media can be used to spread harmful ideologies?Yes, definitelyNo, not really About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNitish Kumar’s Rajya Sabha Oath Triggers Bihar Leadership Buzz: Who Will Be the Next CM?Mirzapur Horror Caught on CCTV: Attackers Panic After Killing Advocate As Bike Stalls While EscapingWatch PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi Engage In Candid Talk At Event To Pay Tribute To Jyotiba PhuleFrom Prayer To Panic: Final Moments Before Mathura Boat Tragedy Emerges, Rescue Operations ContinueIndia-US Ties Get Real Boost As Vikram Misri Wraps Up Key Visit After Talks On LPG, Nuclear PowerIndia Walks Diplomatic Tightrope, Condemns Bloodshed In Lebanon, But Does Not Name IsraelDelhi Police Crack Down on ISI-Linked Spy Module, 10 Arrested; Second Network Busted After Pan-India Surveillance Plot’Chokepoints Now A Global Anxiety’: Jaishankar Invokes West Asia Crisis At Indian Ocean ConferenceMathura: Boat Carrying Devotees Capsizes In Yamuna; 10 Bodies Recovered, Rescue Ops OnQatar Assures Reliable Energy Supply To India Amid West Asia Crisis After Hardeep Puri’s Doha Visit123PhotostoriesRajpal Yadav and Radha’s enduring love story: Defying cultural differences, 13-year age gap and family doubtsDMRC plans multilevel parking at Guru Dronacharya, IFFCO Chowk metro stations to ease congestionIs your honey pure? Simple ways to detect adulterationTop 5 emerging real estate hotspots in India and why people are investing hereWhy you should avoid certain types of sprouts and 3 common mistakes to avoid while consuming themDivyanka Tripathi to Smriti Irani: TV queens who made us love sarees all over againTemples in India with incredible backstories that will leave you amazed24 hours in Delhi: 10 summer-friendly street foods to enjoy in the national capitalCute first and middle names for kids born on SaturdayHow to make Kathal ke Kebab for weekend lunch123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingStephen Curry charityLaura Loomer reactionIndia Lebanon civilianRajouri grenade recoveryUS stock marketPAN Card application 2026Hinjewadi Metro lineUS inflationSchool Holidays in AprilLaken Snelling case
NEW DELHI: Two men arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor have told police that a Pakistan-linked handler was trying to build a network in India using social media platforms. The handler is currently based in Saudi Arabia and had been reaching out to people online, police said on Saturday.Uvaid Malik and Jalal Haider were arrested after a tip-off about their alleged links with Aqib, a native of Sathla village in Meerut’s Mawana area, who is now in West Asia. Aqib had earlier come under attention after a video surfaced on Instagram on November 23, where he was allegedly seen with an AK-47 rifle and explosives, circle officer Najibabad, Anjani Kumar Chaturvedi, said on Saturday.During questioning, the two accused told police that Aqib used Instagram to spread inflammatory content and incite youngsters against Hindus. Police said he also encouraged anti-national activities through his posts.Investigators found that Uvaid and Jalal had come in contact with Aqib and another person, Maizul, around three years ago while working in Surat. Maizul is currently based in South Africa and is believed to be part of the same network.Police said Uvaid was planning to flee to Nepal on the advice of his contacts. Teams are now searching for Aqib, Maizul, Sameer and Azad in connection with the case.
Poll
Do you believe social media can be used to spread harmful ideologies?
