Uttar Pradesh Police on Sunday detained two suspected Kashmiri men after villagers reported their “suspicious activities” in Bareilly district.
Officials said the incident came to light on Saturday morning when villagers complained via the police’s X handle about two Kashmiri men allegedly found begging door-to-door in Dhimri village of the Ahladpur area. Acting on the inputs, Izzatnagar police launched a search, citing suspicion over their language and manner of speaking.
According to police, the duo initially tried to evade detection by mingling with the crowd and offering namaz. However, villagers spotted them again, following which police apprehended the two, said Izzatnagar SHO Bijendra Singh.
During questioning, the men identified themselves as Shaukat Ali and Sajjad, both residents of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir. They told police they had arrived in Bareilly on December 10 and had been staying in a local mosque and in Dhimri village since then.
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The detainees claimed they were poor and survived by begging. Police said no significant incriminating material has surfaced so far, though their activities appeared suspicious at first glance.
Soon after the detention, the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) joined the probe. Police said photographs and Aadhaar details of the two men have been sent to Jammu and Kashmir Police for verification. Further questioning is underway, officials added. (PTI)
