In a major counter-terrorism operation, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested eight people for alleged links with Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The arrests were made in a joint multi-state operation going on in several districts of Gujarat and parts of Madhya Pradesh, officials said on Friday.
The ATS said the operation was carried out simultaneously in Banaskantha, Patan and Navsari districts of Gujarat, as well as Dewas in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh. The simultaneous raids were made after intelligence inputs about the activity of an alleged sleeper module linked to the banned terrorist organization.
Investigators believe that the accused were operating as a sleeper cell that was creating a solid backbone for Jaish-e-Mohammed inside Gujarat, they said. They believe the group was recruiting members, facilitating logistics, spreading radical ideology and helping build a network of support for terrorist organisations in the future.
The arrested people are between 18 and 40 years of age, the police said. They say preliminary reports show that many of them were operating from religious and educational institutions like Jamia Abul Hasan Madrasa in Patan and Jamia Rahmaniya Khambhiya in Navsari.
Security agencies are examining whether those institutions were used as cover to radicalise vulnerable people and provide logistical support to the suspected terror network. Investigators are also examining the accused’s communications, financial transactions and possible links with handlers based across the border.
After the operation, the Gujarat ATS filed a detailed case against all eight accused at the ATS Police Station. They have been booked under a number of provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 including Sections 13, 17, 18, 38 and 39 dealing with unlawful activities, terror funding, conspiracy and support or association with a banned terrorist organisation.
In addition, the accused have also been charged under Sections 148 and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
Officials said digital devices, documents and other material seized during the searches are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation. Forensic experts are also expected to analyse electronic evidence to determine the nature of the group’s activities and identify any additional associates or networks.
The ATS is still investigating the module’s full breadth, including whether it had received instructions or financial assistance from handlers in Pakistan. Authorities have not ruled out further arrests as the investigation moves forward.
The operation comes at a time of increased security in the country and with intelligence agencies closely watching terrorist groups trying to revive sleeper cells and recruit operatives online and in the local support networks. The investigation is ongoing and more details will be disclosed over the next few days, officials said.
