Patna: A man from Bihar’s Madhubani district has been arrested in a joint operation conducted by the Anti-Terrorism Squads (ATS) of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh over alleged links with a Pakistani handler, officials said.
The accused, identified as Izharul Haq, 56, is a resident of Nau Tola Sarisbapahi village under the Pandaul police station area of Madhubani district. According to the ATS, preliminary investigation indicates that he was in contact with a handler based in Pakistan.
Arrest Linked to Madhya Pradesh Investigation
Officials said the arrest was made during the investigation of Case No. 06/2026 registered at a Special Task Force (STF) police station in Madhya Pradesh.
At the time of his arrest, Haq was reportedly residing at Madrasa Noore Mohammadiya in Raghonagar under the Madhubani Town police station area.
The case has been registered under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Digital Evidence Seized
During the joint raid, investigators recovered two Android mobile phones from the accused’s possession. The devices include a Redmi Note 5 handset and an Oppo smartphone.
According to the ATS, the seized mobile phones and other digital evidence are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation. Officials have not disclosed further details regarding the nature of the alleged communications.
Previous Spy Case in Muzaffarpur
The arrest comes nearly a month after the ATS arrested Md. Mustafa from Muzaffarpur on allegations of spying for Pakistan.
Investigators had then claimed that Mustafa had links with the network of alleged Pakistani arms smuggler Shahzad Bhatti. According to police sources, Mustafa was allegedly lured into contact with Pakistani handlers through promises of access to weapons.
Officials said the handlers had allegedly directed him to collect photographs and videos of camps belonging to the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Muzaffarpur.
Investigation Continues
Investigative agencies have also alleged that Mustafa was tasked with influencing and recruiting local youths into the network.
Authorities are examining his call records, WhatsApp chats and social media activity to determine the extent of the alleged operation and identify any additional individuals who may have been involved.
The ATS said the investigation in both cases remains ongoing and further action will be taken based on the evidence collected.
