In a major development with serious security implications, a 29-year-old young man has been arrested in Dehradun for his alleged involvement in anti-national activities and links with Pakistan-based terrorists. The STF has alleged that the arrested youth had been sharing sensitive information and footage of key government and security installations with handlers across the border.
The accused, identified as Vikrant Kashyap, a resident of Jhajhra in the Premnagar area of Dehradun, was apprehended late last night during a joint operation carried out by the Special Task Force (STF) and Premnagar Police. He was found in possession of an illegal .32 bore pistol, seven live cartridges and a spray paint can. According to officials, Kashyap had been in continuous contact with Pakistan-based operative Shahzad Bhatti, associated with the proscribed outfit Al Bark Brigade, along with another associate identified as Rana, through social media platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), STF, Ajai Singh stated that intelligence inputs had been received regarding efforts by Pakistan-based terror networks to radicalise Indian youth through social media by first gaining followers and subsequently using them as sleeper cells for unlawful activities. Acting on these inputs, the STF had launched technical surveillance and was also gathering information through informants, which led to the identification of Kashyap as a suspect who was in touch with foreign handlers and was allegedly receiving instructions from them.
Investigations revealed that Kashyap had been residing in Dehradun for a considerable period and was employed at a car workshop. During interrogation, he disclosed that he had come into contact with Shahzad Bhatti after being influenced by social media posts relating to the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, of whom he was an ardent follower. Angered by the killing and seeking retribution, he began following Bhatti’s social media account, eventually establishing direct contact through messaging platforms.
