A joint team of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad questions family members, teachers and local contacts in the Swar area during daylong investigations
RAMPUR – A joint team of the Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squads (ATS) carried out a detailed investigation in Rampur’s Swar area on Wednesday, questioning multiple people linked to Faizan Salmani, who is accused of involvement in terror-related activities.
Salmani, 22, was arrested on January 27 for allegedly conspiring to commit anti-national activities and terrorist acts. He was apprehended in the Zarakwad area of Gujarat’s Navsari.
In Rampur, the operation began with the Gujarat ATS team arriving at Swar police station for a briefing with station officer Pradeep Malik. Following this, the team, accompanied by Malik, visited Faizan Salmani’s house in Nagar Panchayat Narpatnagar. Officers questioned his family members at length, gathering details about family circumstances, the ages of his children, daily routines, and general activities.
The focus then shifted to a local madrasa, where the ATS questioned Maulana Qari Iqbal Ahmad. They inquired about Faizan’s religious studies, his behaviour during his time at the madrasa, and whether any signs of suspicious activity had been observed. “We tried to understand his ideological leanings and if his conduct ever raised concerns,” an official involved in the probe said.
The team also visited a coaching centre in Swar, where they spoke to the centre’s operator, Akhtar. Questions were asked about Faizan’s educational records, attendance, friends, and general behaviour in an attempt to map his contacts and recent history.
Further inquiries were made with Nagar Panchayat Chairman Khalid Ali regarding the family’s social engagements, local connections, and background. Throughout the day, the ATS team cross-checked information from various sources and noted down key points.
After the day-long operation, the Gujarat ATS team returned with documents and information collected during their inquiries. The case remains under active investigation by security agencies. No immediate arrests were reported following Wednesday’s inquiries.
Locals expressed concern over the ongoing probe. A neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “It has created anxiety in the area. Everyone is talking about it, but we only know what is being reported.”
The Uttar Pradesh Police have not yet issued an official statement detailing the findings of Wednesday’s joint operation. The investigation into Faizan Salmani’s alleged links continues.
