Uttar Pradesh ATS detains Deoband cleric over alleged inflammatory social media posts linked to Pakistan contacts

Deoband: The Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested a Muslim cleric, Mufti Zakir, from Deoband for allegedly circulating inflammatory and objectionable posts on social media and maintaining contacts with individuals in Pakistan, police said on Saturday.

ATS Deoband in charge Inspector Sudhir Ujjwal filed a formal report at the Deoband Police Station, stating that, acting on intelligence input, the squad raided the ‘Mil Wala Phatak’ area and apprehended the accused. According to the probe, Mufti Zakir had been posting messages and sharing content online aimed at inciting people against the CAA), NRC, UGC, SIR, the Ram temple verdict, and enforcement actions linked to the “I Love Mohammed” protests.

Police registered an FIR against the cleric and said the material shared by him suggests he was inspired by videos of jailed former JNU student Umar Khalid. The report also alleges that he harbours hostility towards prominent ulemas (Islamic scholars) and politicians who promote Hindu–Muslim unity.

The ATS further claimed that Mufti Zakir was in contact with individuals and groups in Pakistan via WhatsApp, and his mobile phone records are being examined to determine the extent of his activity. Authorities allege he used the device to spread misinformation and rumours, thereby fuelling communal tension. Local police have been placed on alert and surveillance has been stepped up in sensitive areas of the town.

Rojant Tyagi, Station House Officer of the Deoband Police Station, said the ATS is currently interrogating the accused as the investigation continues.

(Inputs from PTI)