Viral video probe botched, ATS uncovers terror plot
In a major embarrassment for the Bijnor Police, initial investigation into a viral video showing a man posing with an AK-47 rifle and a hand grenade has come under intense scrutiny. Officers had dismissed the weapons as plastic toys and given the suspect a clean chit.
The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has confirmed that the arms were real and has linked the individual to an alleged Pakistan-backed ISI terror module. UP ATS has intensified its probe into the suspected terror module.
Bijnor Superintendent of Police Abhishek Jha took disciplinary action based on the ATS report, Inspector Satyendra Singh Malik was suspended for submitting a misleading final report. Circle Officer Nitesh Pratap Singh was shifted to district police lines and a departmental inquiry has been ordered against him for supervisory failures. Amitabh Yash, ADG (Law and Order), Uttar Pradesh Police confirmed the module’s leadership and operations, underscoring the gravity of the security breach the initial clean chit may have enabled.
The case revolves around Aaqib Khan, also referred to as Aqib or Akib, a Meerut resident currently living in Dubai, where he claims to work as a driver. Six months ago, in November 2025, a video went viral on Instagram showing Aaqib and others, including Majul (a Bijnor native running a salon in South Africa) displaying what appeared to be an AK-47 assault rifle and a hand grenade. The clip sparked alarm, leading to an FIR being registered on November 23, 2025 at Najibabad police station against Aaqib, Majul and unidentified persons.
During the initial probe by the police, Inspector Satyendra Singh Malik (SHO at the time) contacted Aaqib via video call. Aaqib claimed the AK-47 was a plastic toy and the grenade was merely a perfume bottle. Police accepted this explanation without independent verification, filed a final report terming the items as toys, and closed the matter, effectively giving Aaqib and others a clean chit. Circle Officer Najibabad, Nitesh Pratap Singh was also involved in the supervisory oversight.
However, the case resurfaced dramatically on April 2, 2026, when the UP ATS arrested four suspects from Lucknow, identified as Saqib alias ‘Devil’, the Meerut-based alleged leader, also spelled Shakib, Arbaab, Vikas Gehlawat alias Raunak, and Lokesh alias Babu alias Papla Pandit.
Their interrogation revealed they were planning acts of sabotage, including blowing up a railway signal box, targeting vehicles carrying gas cylinders to trigger explosions, and carrying out arson to create panic.
The group allegedly shared videos of these acts with Pakistan-based handlers via social media and received payments through QR codes. Seven mobile phones recovered from the accused contained incriminating material, including videos of arson and individuals posing with assault rifles.
Saqib disclosed that Aaqib Khan had acted as a key conduit, facilitating contact between the module and a Pakistan-based ISI handler named Abu Bakar. Aaqib, who issued a clarification video from Dubai denying any terror links, is now under renewed focus. The ATS has secured a five-day remand of the arrested suspects until April 9 for further interrogation. Initial findings suggest the group was planning a major attack in Lucknow and subsequent strikes in other cities before fleeing the state.
