The Gujarat Anti-terrorist Squad (ATS), in a major counter-terrorism operation, has swooped down on 8 persons suspected of being linked with the banned terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Seven of the accused were nabbed from various locations in Gujarat, while the eighth was held from Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas district.

As per ATS sleuths, the suspects were allegedly working towards establishing a JeM sleeper cell in Gujarat. Investigators claim the group was attempting to build a local terror network capable of executing a major conspiracy in the state.

Accused were in touch with Pak-based operatives

Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused were in contact with Pakistan-based operatives through internet-based communication platforms. The ATS alleged that they exchanged information related to terrorist activities, sleeper cells and operational planning with their overseas handlers.

Alleged recruitment and radicalisation network

Officials stated that the group was actively engaged in recruiting new members, spreading extremist ideology and creating a support network to facilitate terrorist activities. The accused hail from Gujarat's Banaskantha, Patan and Navsari districts, along with Dewas district in Madhya Pradesh.

The ATS further revealed that three of the arrested individuals were associated with madrasas located in Siddhpur and Chikhli. Investigators allege that the group was attempting to strengthen its operational capabilities by establishing an organised Jaish-e-Mohammed module within Gujarat.

Authorities suspect the alleged module was being prepared to facilitate terrorist activities not only in Gujarat but also in other parts of India. The investigation is currently focused on determining the extent of the group's activities and its operational reach.

FIR registered under UAPA

Following the arrests, the Gujarat ATS registered a First Information Report (FIR) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). In addition, provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to waging war against the Government of India and criminal conspiracy have also been invoked.

Investigators are now probing the group's alleged contacts, sources of funding, recruitment efforts and any wider conspiracy linked to the suspected terror network. Officials said further investigations are underway to identify additional associates and uncover the full extent of the alleged operation.

List of the arrested accused

The arrested suspects have been identified as; Ahmed Abdullah Ghazivala alias Abu Ubaida (19), resident of Bhagal, Palanpur, Banaskantha, Ibrahim Mohammad Hussain Ghagha alias Abu Hamza (30), resident of Bhagal, Palanpur, Banaskantha, Mudassir Abdullah Ghazivala alias Abu Aya (22), resident of Bhagal, Palanpur, Banaskantha, Zakaria Durrani Mohammad Ammar Ghagha Ibn Ammar Zakaria Palanpuri (21), associated with Jamia Abul Hasan Madrasa, Khadiyasana, Siddhpur, Patan, Mufti Fauzan Ismail Dauwa alias Mufti Sahab (40), associated with Jamia Abul Hasan Madrasa, Khadiyasana, Siddhpur, Patan.

Mohammad Amin Shera Amin Palanpuri (21), associated with Jamia Abul Hasan Madrasa, Khadiyasana, Siddhpur, Patan, Mohammad Abdul Rahman Savdi Mohammad Palanpuri alias Abu Unaisa (22), associated with Jamia Rahmania Khambhiya, Ambheta, Chikhli, Navsari, Bilal Durrani Mohammad Ammar Ghagha alias Abu Dujana, Abu Sufiyan and Abu Jundal Umar bin Khattab (18), resident of Warsi Nagar, Dewas, Madhya Pradesh.