The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) collaborated with its Maharashtra counterpart on Monday to apprehend an alleged recruiter and talent spotter of the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) from Mumbai. The man, identified as Arman Sayyad, 65, and his associate Salman Siddiqui, 24, were taken to UP on transit remand. Residents in Armania Nagar, Jogeshwari East, were taken by surprise at the secretive arrests and had no prior knowledge until it was reported in the media. While they knew little about Sayyad, Siddiqui, who lived in the same area, was unfamiliar to them.

‘He is a do-gooder’

According to a shopkeeper near Sayyad’s residence, Armaan was known for his religious devotion and desire to do good for the community. The shopkeeper stated, “As far as I know Armaan, he was a five-time namazi (one who prays five times a day) and always wanted to do good for the community. He would try to resolve conflicts and worked to address issues at the mosque by engaging in conversations with the police and authorities.”