Palanpur | The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested eight suspects from Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh for their alleged links with the banned terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Investigators allege that the accused were actively working to establish the outfit’s network in Gujarat by recruiting new members and developing sleeper cells. Preliminary findings suggest that the suspects were in contact with Pakistan-based handlers through the internet and social media, allegedly sharing information related to terrorist activities and the expansion of the organisation.
According to the ATS, seven of the eight arrested individuals are residents of Gujarat’s Banaskantha, Patan and Navsari districts, while one was arrested from Devas in Madhya Pradesh. The agency said the suspects had been under surveillance for some time, and coordinated raids were conducted at multiple locations after sufficient intelligence inputs were received.
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The investigation indicates that the group was allegedly attempting to radicalise young people, recruit new members for the organisation and create a support network for future terrorist activities. Investigators believe that, if left unchecked, the network could have evolved into a larger operational terror module.
Preliminary questioning has also revealed that three of the arrested suspects had associations with madrasas in Siddhpur and Chikhli. Investigators are examining whether these institutions were used solely for educational purposes or whether the accused misused their individual associations to establish organisational links. As of now, no official conclusion has been reached regarding the role of any institution.
The ATS alleges that the suspects were working to establish an organised JeM module in Gujarat. Investigators are now conducting a detailed examination of their digital devices, online communications, financial transactions, contact networks and possible associates. Authorities are also trying to determine whether the network had links with operatives in other Indian states or with terrorist networks operating from abroad.
Following the arrests, the ATS registered a First Information Report (FIR) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The case also includes serious provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to waging war against the State and criminal conspiracy. Investigators said further arrests and additional legal action remain possible as questioning and digital forensic analysis continue.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Ahmed Abdullah Ghaziwala alias Abu Ubaida (19), Ibrahim Mohammad Hussain Ghagha alias Abu Hamza (30), Mudassir Abdullah Ghaziwala alias Abu Aya (22), Zakaria Durrani Mohammad Ammar Ghagha (21), Mufti Faujan Ismail Dauwa (40), Mohammad Amin Shera Amin Palanpuri (21), Mohammad Abdul Rahman Savdi alias Mohammad Palanpuri (22), and Bilal Durrani Mohammad Ammar Ghagha (18).
Investigating agencies are now focusing on tracing the network’s funding sources, recruitment efforts, online activities and possible foreign connections. Officials said the investigation is still at an early stage, and further legal action will be taken based on the evidence gathered.
