Maha, UP ATS catch ISI recruiter in city

Mohammed Raees

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), on Monday, collaborated with its Maharashtra counterpart to apprehend an alleged recruiter and talent spotter of the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) from Mumbai. The man, identified as Arman, 65, has been transported to UP.

This action follows the earlier arrest of Mohammed Raees from Uttar Pradesh by the UP ATS. The initial intelligence input suggested that Raees was in communication with the ISI, transmitting videos and photos of sensitive defence and army establishments in UP to Pakistan in exchange for financial benefits.

Arman is suspected to be a recruiter for the ISI, maintaining direct contact with several Pakistani handlers. The Maharashtra ATS confirmed the arrest. According to sources, Arman used to manipulate and influence Muslim youths by highlighting incidents of atrocities in parts of India and recount the Babri Mosque incident.

Subsequently, Arman would connect these individuals with ISI handlers in Pakistan, who would assign them tasks of gathering videos and photos of sensitive defence establishments. In return, the recruits received monetary compensation.

Currently, officials are investigating the extent of Arman's recruitment activities.