The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad has arrested a 19-year-old dental student for allegedly being linked to an online network connected with the banned terror outfit Islamic State, officials confirmed.

The accused, identified as Haarish Ali from Saharanpur district, was taken into custody from Moradabad during an ongoing investigation into extremist online activities across India. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree.

According to ATS officials, the arrest followed intelligence inputs suggesting that several individuals in Uttar Pradesh and other states were operating secret online groups to spread ISIS ideology and recruit new members. These groups allegedly aimed at promoting a Sharia-based system and strengthening the terror outfit’s network in the country.

Investigators revealed that Haarish Ali was in contact with ISIS handlers and sympathisers through social media platforms like Instagram as well as encrypted communication apps such as Session and Discord. Authorities claim he actively participated in sharing extremist content, including propaganda material, radical literature, and operational instructions linked to ISIS activities.

The probe further found that the accused allegedly used fake identities and virtual private networks (VPNs) to create multiple online groups and avoid detection while recruiting like-minded individuals. Officials also stated that he managed a group named “Al Ittihad Media Foundation,” which was used to circulate ISIS-related content and maintain connections with suspected operatives both within India and abroad.

Based on these findings, a case has been registered at the ATS police station in Lucknow under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Security agencies are continuing their investigation to identify other individuals linked to the network, as authorities remain on high alert over the growing use of digital platforms for radicalisation and recruitment.