Massive Pakistani Communication Network Uncovered
In a startling revelation during a three-day intensive interrogation, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has uncovered that terror suspect Bilal Khan (34) was in contact with approximately 4,000 Pakistani phone numbers and maintained regular communication with handlers from Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) based in Pakistan.
According to ATS officials, Bilal Khan was receiving direct instructions from his Pakistani handlers to plan and execute AQIS-linked activities across India. The suspect, who hails from Papri village under Titron police station in Saharanpur, was initially arrested on September 15, 2025, and subsequently sent to jail.
Deep Radicalization and Network Expansion
Investigators revealed that Bilal Khan was profoundly influenced by Asim Umar Sambhali, the first chief of AQIS who originally hailed from Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh. "Asim Umar, who was personally selected by Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri, appears to have inspired Bilal through his jihadist sermons and extensive online propaganda," stated ATS officials.
The probe has established that Bilal actively propagated extremist content across multiple social media platforms, promoting Umar's ideology and justifying violent jihad as a method to establish a Sharia-based regime in India. He became particularly active in anti-India and pro-jihad online groups, interacting with thousands of Pakistani nationals.
Operational Activities and Recent Developments
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Bilal allegedly glorified slain terrorists of Operation Sindoor as martyrs and circulated videos that abused Indian security forces. He also shared propaganda material supporting the Pakistani army while openly calling for the "liberation of Kashmir."
Investigators disclosed that Bilal had formally pledged allegiance to his Pakistani AQIS handler, affirming his loyalty to the global jihadist mission. In one extremist group, he posted a quote attributed to Asim Umar: "If you walk on the path of jihad, Mujahideen from Morocco to the Philippines will stand with you, and wherever their sweat falls, people will shed blood."
The ATS recently obtained nine days of police custody starting November 4, 2025, from a special court to further interrogate Bilal and unravel the complete network of AQIS sympathizers and operatives associated with him.
Officials believe that Bilal was actively attempting to recruit local youth and incite them against India's constitutional framework. The ATS is currently investigating Bilal's local associates, communication channels, and the extent of his operational involvement in AQIS-linked activities.
Security agencies suspect that Bilal's arrest could help uncover a much wider radicalization and recruitment network operating across western Uttar Pradesh and other regions of India. The investigation continues to develop as authorities work to dismantle the entire terror infrastructure.
