Saharanpur: The investigation into an alleged conspiracy to target the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has expanded to Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district after a youth from the district was detained in Karnataka. The detained individual, identified as Suhail, is a resident of the Gangoh area of Saharanpur. Following reports of his detention, anxiety has gripped his family and local residents, while investigating agencies have intensified efforts to examine every aspect of the case, including digital evidence and any possible local or interstate links.
Family Denies Knowledge
According to family members, Suhail’s family has been living in a rented house in Kotla locality of Gangoh for nearly two decades. His father, Liaqat, said the family survives through daily-wage labour and small jobs. He maintained that the family had no knowledge of any alleged suspicious activities involving Suhail. According to the family, Suhail had travelled to Karnataka on June 6 with his brother, Shoaib, through a contractor to work as a painter. They said they came to know about his detention only later.
Registration Begins for FutureCrime Summit 2026, India’s Largest Cybercrime Conference
The family stated that Suhail had studied only up to Class 5 at a madrasa before taking up manual labour. His brother, Muzammil, claimed that this was the first time Suhail had travelled to a distant state for work, as he had previously worked only in Gangoh and nearby areas. The family has denied any knowledge of his alleged involvement in terrorist activities or suspicious associations.
Aadhaar Age Claim Checked
Family members have also alleged that Suhail’s age was altered in his Aadhaar records to make him eligible for employment in Karnataka, as the company concerned reportedly did not hire workers below a specified age. Investigating agencies are verifying this claim through official documents and relevant records.
Given the sensitivity of the case, investigators are conducting a detailed examination of Suhail’s mobile phone, social media accounts, chat records, digital communications, online activities and possible contacts across different states. Authorities are also trying to determine whether he had any links with an organised network or any other individuals. Digital and forensic experts are analysing electronic evidence recovered during the investigation.
Digital Evidence Under Probe
The local police have also initiated their own inquiry. Officials said they received information regarding the detention of the Saharanpur resident in Karnataka and are verifying his local contacts and activities. Police are coordinating with central investigating agencies and sharing information to ensure a comprehensive and impartial investigation into all aspects of the case.
Investigation Still Underway
The investigation is still underway, and agencies continue to analyse all available evidence, including digital and technical material. No final conclusions have been drawn so far. Under the law, the detained individual is to be treated as an accused and not as guilty unless the allegations are established before a competent court.
