ATS raids Varanasi pediatrician’s house in ISI-linked terror funding case
The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) teams from Mumbai and Varanasi raided the residence of Dr. Arif Ansari, a pediatrician in the Pathani Tola area of Varanasi. He and his son, Abu Bakr, were questioned in connection with a terror funding case linked to Pakistan’s ISI.
The action follows a recent breakthrough in Lucknow, where four suspects were arrested near Charbagh Railway Station on April 10. Investigations indicated that the suspects may have been in contact with ISI handlers and other terror operatives, prompting coordinated raids at multiple locations.
During the search, authorities reportedly found suspicious transactions in Dr. Ansari’s bank accounts. Electronic devices seized from his residence are said to contain Pakistani phone numbers and WhatsApp conversations with individuals believed to be based in Kashmir.
Abu Bakr, a 20-year-old NEET aspirant, is also under investigation for allegedly being in contact with a Kashmiri handler and maintaining links with suspicious numbers. Authorities are currently examining the extent of his involvement in the case.
Officials suspect that the network may be spread across Uttar Pradesh, with possible links extending to Mumbai. Investigations are ongoing to trace the full extent of the funding channels and identify others connected to the module.
