Mission Asmita launched by UP Police Busts Pan-India Radicalisation, Conversion Network
UP Police Cracks Down on Radicalisation and Conversion Network
In a major breakthrough under its zero-tolerance policy on organized crime, Uttar Pradesh Police has busted a pan-India network allegedly involved in illegal religious conversion, radicalisation, and terror financing. Code-named “Mission Asmita,” the internal operation led to the arrest of 10 suspects across six Indian states, exposing a vast web of deceit, funding, and ideological indoctrination.
The operation began after the disappearance of two adult sisters from Agra in March, raising red flags over possible radicalisation and trafficking.
How ‘Mission Asmita’ Was Triggered
An FIR was lodged at the Sadar Bazar police station in Agra regarding the missing sisters aged 33 and 18. The case was transferred to the cyber police for deeper digital and inter-state investigations.
The following legal sections were invoked:
- Sections 87, 111(3), and 111(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Sections 3/5 of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021
These developments led investigators to uncover an organized radicalisation network, stretching from Delhi to Goa.
Arrests Made Across Six States
Following months of surveillance, joint teams were dispatched to West Bengal, Goa, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The 10 individuals arrested (as per police records) are:
- Aisha (alias S.B. Krishna) – Goa
- Ali Hasan (alias Shekhar) – Kolkata, West Bengal
- Osama – Kolkata, West Bengal
- Rehman Qureshi – Agra, Uttar Pradesh
- Abbu Tariq – Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh
- Abdur Rehman – Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Mohammad Ali – Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Junaid Qureshi – Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Mustafa (alias Manoj) – Delhi
- Mohammad Ali – Jaipur (repeat listing under police verification)
Their exact roles are under further examination by state authorities.
DGP: Network Had ISIS-like Operations
Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna stated the busted module was running terror recruitment and radicalisation modules, inspired by the operational methods of ISIS.
“In this crackdown, we have arrested 10 suspects across six states, exposing a sinister web of radical recruitment and terror financing,” the DGP said.
The network allegedly used dark web channels to transfer funds. It also reportedly maintained links with banned outfits such as Popular Front of India (PFI) and Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI). Moreover, it had potential handlers in Pakistan, according to preliminary intelligence reports.
The Agra region, in particular, was found to be one of the key hubs, where indoctrination sessions and fund distributions were carried out.
Tactics Used by the Network
Authorities say the group engaged in:
- Forced and deceitful conversions
- Love jihad-style exploitation (currently under judicial review)
- Use of digital platforms for radical content circulation
- Recruitment of vulnerable individuals via emotional and ideological manipulation
Officials believe the entire setup was well-funded and tech-enabled. Mobile apps, encrypted messaging, and virtual wallets were used to evade detection.
What’s Next?
The UP Police has committed to deepening the investigation. The arrested individuals are being interrogated for further links and operational nodes. More arrests and seizures could follow in the coming weeks.
Authorities are also monitoring online activity and have sought cooperation from national cybercrime units and intelligence agencies.
The crackdown under Mission Asmita has been praised for its timeliness and scale, serving as a warning to such networks operating within and beyond state borders.