- Fresh arrests take the total to 13 as investigators widen the alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed network operating across Gujarat
- ATS alleges accused tested explosive devices, translated extremist literature into Gujarati and maintained links with suspected Pakistan-based handlers
- Investigation under UAPA and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita gathers pace as forensic analysis and digital evidence come under scrutiny
- Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi lauds ATS, reiterating Gujarat’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism while stressing that the investigation will proceed strictly in accordance with law
NE LEGAL BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, JULY 17
As investigators continue to unravel what they allege is a deeper terror network with cross-border links, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has expanded its crackdown by arresting five more persons in connection with an alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) module. The latest action, which takes the total number of arrests to 13, marks a significant development in one of the State’s most closely watched anti-terror investigations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The Gujarat ATS on Friday announced the arrest of five more accused during its ongoing investigation into an alleged module linked to the banned Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
According to ATS officials, the latest arrests were made following disclosures, digital evidence and other material gathered during the police remand of the eight accused arrested earlier this month.
The newly arrested accused have been identified as Bilal Abid Shera, Mohammed Aiyub Kadiwal alias Mohammed Khadiyasan, Mohammed Shafi Mukhi alias Shafi Chapi, Mohammed Hasan Karadiya alias Hasan Haidarpuri, and Mohammed Aiyub Sunasara alias Mohammed Khali.
ATS officials alleged that the five were members of the proscribed terrorist organisation and, along with those arrested earlier, were involved in testing explosive devices as part of the alleged conspiracy.
“Two days ago, ATS questioned several people regarding the case. These people were among them. These five individuals belong to various districts of the state,” an ATS official said.
Investigators indicated that further details regarding the seized material, forensic examination, digital evidence and the precise roles of the accused are expected to emerge as the probe progresses.
The latest arrests build upon the operation launched on July 3, when the ATS arrested eight persons—seven from Gujarat and one from Madhya Pradesh—for allegedly attempting to establish an active network of the banned outfit within the State.
According to the ATS, the accused allegedly sought to recruit members, disseminate the ideology of Jaish-e-Mohammed and maintain contact with suspected handlers based in Pakistan.
The case has been registered under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
During the earlier phase of the investigation, the ATS had claimed to have recovered 254 items of literature, including JeM flags and digital material allegedly linked to the banned organisation.
Investigators further alleged that some of the accused had translated JeM literature into Gujarati to facilitate the dissemination of the organisation’s ideology among local recruits.
“The accused were acting on the instructions of Pakistani handlers and were attempting to establish a support network for the banned organisation in Gujarat,” ATS officials had earlier stated.
The agency has maintained that the investigation remains active and is examining the alleged module’s wider contacts, funding trail, communication channels and possible operational plans.
Deputy Chief Minister Reacts
Responding to the latest arrests, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, who is also holding Home portfolio, reiterated the State Government’s uncompromising stand against terrorism.
“Gujarat has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. Our security agencies remain fully alert and committed to protecting the safety and security of every citizen. Any individual found involved in activities that threaten national security will face strict legal action. The ATS has been working professionally, and the investigation will continue in accordance with law,” Sanghavi said.
Legal Perspective
As the investigation proceeds, the allegations made by the ATS are yet to be tested before the competent court. The guilt or innocence of the accused will ultimately be determined through judicial proceedings based on the evidence placed on record. The matter remains under investigation, and further arrests or recoveries cannot be ruled out, officials indicated.
