On Monday, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) arrested Mohammad Sheikh, a resident of Khudadadpur village in Azamgarh district, for his alleged involvement with a terror network associated with Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti and operatives linked to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The arrest followed intelligence-based surveillance, during which a 9mm pistol, four live cartridges, and a mobile phone were seized. Sheikh is accused of using social media to connect with the network, which reportedly aims to radicalize Indian youth and establish sleeper cells through financial incentives and exploitation of religious sentiments. The ATS claims Sheikh was influenced by extremist ideology and was encouraging others to join the network. He allegedly arranged for firearms and was part of a conspiracy to incite violence, including reconnaissance for targeted killings. The ATS intends to seek police custody for Sheikh to further investigate his connections and gather more evidence.