The ATS has arrested Hafiz Mujibar Rehman alias Salim Malik, said to be a religious preacher from a mosque in Pusad town of Yevatmal district, for allegedly radicalising local youth.

Rehman had allegedly instigated one Abdul Malik who later stabbed three constables outside the Pusad mosque last month. Malik was arrested immediately after the incident.

“We arrested him (Rehman) on finding that he had radicalised a few youths from the town for jihad. One of the youths, Abdul Malik Abdul Razzaq, had attacked three cops on September 25 during Eid celebration. We have found him (Rehman) to be prima facie involved in indoctrinating these youths,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (ATS) Sunil Kolhe said. Rehman has been remanded in police custody till November 12.

On September 25 this year, after offering namaz on Bakr-Id, Malik allegedly repeatedly stabbed a constable who was posted outside the mosque. He allegedly also stabbed two more constables who intervened. He was subsequently overpowered by the constables who seized his knife. All three constables survived the attack.

Malik was immediately arrested by the local police and was charged with attempt to murder. Two days after his arrest the counter terrorism agency stepped in and took his custody.

Following the interrogation of Malik, the ATS also arrested one Shoeb Ahmed Khan alias Pusad Shoeb alias Tariq Bhai (24) of Hingoli district in Maharashtra, an alleged member of the newly-floated ‘electronic warfare technology group’ of the banned outfit, Student Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).

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