AHMEDABAD: In a significant counter-terrorism operation, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested eight alleged operatives linked to the Pakistan-based banned terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Officials said the group was allegedly attempting to establish an active terror network in Gujarat, prompting coordinated raids across multiple districts in Gujarat and neighbouring Madhya Pradesh.
The operation is being viewed as a major breakthrough for security agencies, as investigators believe the suspects were working under the guidance of handlers based in Pakistan. According to the ATS, the accused were involved in spreading extremist ideology, recruiting supporters, and laying the groundwork for expanding the outfit’s presence in western India.
Coordinated Raids Across Two States
The arrests followed an extensive intelligence-based investigation conducted by the Gujarat ATS. Seven of the accused were apprehended from different districts of Gujarat, while one suspect was arrested from Dewas district in Madhya Pradesh with assistance from local police.
Officials stated that joint operations involving ATS teams and district police forces were carried out simultaneously to prevent the suspects from escaping or destroying evidence. The coordinated raids resulted in the seizure of several digital devices, documents, and extremist material that are now being examined by forensic experts.
Alleged Links With Pakistani Handlers
According to investigators, preliminary findings suggest that the arrested individuals were in regular contact with Pakistan-based handlers identified as Abdullah and Mohammad Umar. The ATS alleges that these handlers directed the accused to promote JeM’s ideology and strengthen its support base within Gujarat.
Officials further claimed that the suspects were translating extremist literature into Gujarati to make the propaganda more accessible to local audiences. The move is being seen as an attempt to expand the organisation’s influence through regional-language communication.
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Large Quantity of Extremist Material Seized
During the searches, ATS teams reportedly recovered 254 pieces of literature linked to the banned organisation, including flags, digital content, and printed material carrying extremist messaging.
Investigators believe the recovered material could provide crucial evidence regarding the group’s recruitment strategy, communication channels, and operational plans. Digital devices seized during the raids have been sent for forensic examination to determine whether there were additional associates or sleeper cells operating in other parts of the country.
Serious Charges Filed Under UAPA and BNS
Police have registered a case against all eight accused under multiple provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The charges include allegations related to unlawful activities, raising funds for terrorist acts, criminal conspiracy, membership of a terrorist organisation, and providing support to a banned outfit. Authorities stated that the investigation remains active and additional charges may be added depending on the evidence recovered during the probe.
Investigation Continues
Senior ATS officials said each of the arrested individuals is being questioned separately to identify the full extent of the alleged network. Investigators are examining financial transactions, encrypted communications, social media activity, and international contacts to determine whether the group had links with other terror modules operating in India.
Officials have not ruled out further arrests as the investigation progresses. Intelligence agencies are also coordinating with central security organisations to verify cross-border connections and assess whether similar modules exist in other states.
Focus on Preventing Radicalisation
Security agencies believe the case highlights evolving methods used by terror organisations to spread radical ideology through digital platforms and regional languages. Investigators say the alleged translation of extremist content into Gujarati reflects attempts to target local audiences and gradually build support networks.
Authorities have reiterated that monitoring online radicalisation remains a key component of India’s counter-terror strategy, with cyber surveillance and intelligence-sharing playing an increasingly important role in identifying emerging threats.
Strengthening National Security
The latest operation underscores the continued efforts of Indian security agencies to dismantle terror infrastructure before operational plans can be executed. Counter-terror experts note that intelligence-led investigations and coordinated interstate operations have become essential tools in preventing extremist groups from establishing local networks.
Officials have appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies. They emphasised that public cooperation, combined with technological surveillance and inter-agency coordination, remains vital for maintaining national security.
The Gujarat ATS has indicated that the investigation is far from over and that further disclosures may emerge following detailed interrogation of the accused and analysis of the seized evidence.
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