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Bijnor terror probe: Staged firing forced Arif Malik to join prime accused's network
Investigators say a firing at Arif Malik's residence was a coercive tactic to push him into Aqib's terror network. The case connects this incident to a video from late 2025 and subsequent arrests in 2026, including Malik's arrest and related inquiries into online contacts and potential foreign links.
Why It Matters
The timeline outlines alleged coercion in recruitment for a terror module and possible online and cross-regional connections, highlighting dangers posed by staged violence and digital networks.
Timeline
4 Events
April 25, 2026: Probe intensifies; instruction to delete material
April 25, 2026
As the probe intensified, Aqib allegedly instructed Arif Malik to delete photographs and videos linked to him, while investigators note emerging digital evidence challenging Aqib's innocence and suggesting he operated the network from abroad.
April 24, 2026: Arrest of Arif Malik and Zulfikar alias Raka
April 24, 2026
Najibabad police arrested Arif Malik and his brother-in-law Zulfikar alias Raka. Zulfikar, who had been working in Tamil Nadu for the past two years, is suspected of maintaining contact with Aqib through online platforms, potentially aiding the network's expansion. Earlier arrests in the case include Owaid Malik, Jalal Haider, Sameer (Roohan) and Maijul.
November 2025: Video surfaces linking Aqib to firearms
November 2025
A video surfaced in November 2025 showing Aqib with firearms alongside several youths, drawing attention to the case and triggering investigations that linked footage to a wider network in Lucknow with possible foreign involvement.
February 2025: Firing at Arif Malik's residence to coerce recruitment
February 2025
Shots were fired at Arif Malik's house in February 2025 after he showed reluctance to join Aqib. Malik later told investigators that the incident was intended to force him into Aqib's terror module; he established contact with Aqib after the incident and later joined the network.