Nagpur: In a swift operation, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Nagpur unit detained two individuals, including an Urdu teacher-cum-YouTuber, from Old Kamptee area near Juni Masjid on Saturday for their links to a Pakistan-based jihadi social media group. The action comes amid heightened national security concerns, following the recent border conflict.The teacher, an active participant in the WhatsApp group, and his close friend were interrogated for nearly eight hours before being released, but remain under surveillance, sources told TOI. The primary suspect, a teacher at a prominent Urdu-medium school in Kamptee, also runs a YouTube channel. His friend, the second suspect, was scrutinised due to their close association.Intelligence inputs revealed the teacher’s active role in a private WhatsApp group with over 500 members operated by a Pakistan-based administrator. Posts allegedly included fabricated videos glorifying Pakistani military actions, religious content, objectionable remarks against Indian armed forces, and calls to “unite against majority community”, said a top source.The incident underscores growing cyber surveillance with security agencies intensifying efforts to monitor social media platforms for anti-Indian and pro-jihadi content, particularly from hostile nations like Pakistan. With the rise in online radicalisation, the govt has prioritised digital monitoring to counter threats to national security.Agencies like ATS and National Investigation Agency (NIA) are employing advanced digital forensics to track encrypted communications and uncover potential external funding or coordination with foreign handlers. Recent arrests in Assam and Uttar Pradesh for similar pro-Pakistan content reflect a nationwide crackdown on such activities. The ministry of home affairs has directed state agencies to enhance monitoring of social media platforms, focusing on groups with cross-border affiliations. Actions initiated include real-time tracking of suspicious accounts, collaboration with tech companies to flag harmful content, and legal action under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
