A serious lapse by the Bijnor Police has come under scrutiny after new findings linked to an alleged ISI-backed module revealed that a viral video earlier dismissed as harmless may have involved real weapons.
The case revolves around Aqib, who is now suspected of acting as an intermediary between accused operative Saqib (alias “Devil”) and a Pakistan-based handler. Investigators believe Aqib, currently based in Dubai, helped establish communication channels between the group and foreign operatives.
The controversy stems from a video that surfaced in November last year, showing Aqib posing with what appeared to be a grenade and an AK-47 rifle. At the time, local police investigated the clip and concluded that the weapons were plastic toys. Aqib himself had reportedly claimed during a video call that the items were not real, following which the case was closed and he was given a clean chit.
However, the probe by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has brought the video back into focus. During interrogation, Saqib and his associates—arrested in Lucknow on April 2 for allegedly planning sabotage of railway infrastructure—revealed that Aqib had played a key role in connecting them with a Pakistan-based handler.
These revelations have raised serious questions about the earlier police investigation. In response, action has been taken against officials involved in the initial inquiry. The then Station House Officer of Nangalsoti, Inspector Sachin Singh Malik, has been suspended, while departmental proceedings have been initiated against Circle Officer Nitesh Pratap Singh.
The Bijnor Superintendent of Police ordered the action after reviewing the ATS findings, which pointed to possible negligence in handling the case. Authorities are now continuing a deeper investigation into the network, the authenticity of the weapons seen in the video, and the extent of Aqib’s involvement in the alleged terror-linked activities.
