- Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad dismantles an alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed module accused of attempting to build an operational network across the state
- Eight suspects, including two teenagers, arrested from Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Investigators allege the accused were involved in recruitment, conspiracy and support activities linked to the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit
- Operation underscores Gujarat’s intensified counter-terror vigilance amid continuing efforts to dismantle extremist networks before they become operational
NE LEGAL BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, JULY 3
In one of the most significant anti-terror operations in Gujarat this year, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested eight alleged members of the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) for allegedly attempting to establish an active terror network in the state, officials said on Friday.
The coordinated operation, carried out across multiple districts of Gujarat and neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, culminated in the arrest of seven suspects from Gujarat and one from Madhya Pradesh. Among those apprehended are two teenagers aged 18 and 19, highlighting what investigators describe as attempts by extremist organisations to recruit increasingly younger operatives.
According to ATS officials, the accused were allegedly working on behalf of the proscribed terror organisation to establish an operational network in Gujarat.
“Eight accused were arrested on Thursday from different districts of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. They were members of banned terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed and working on behalf of it to set up an active terror network in Gujarat,” ATS officials said.
The arrested persons have been identified as Ahmed Abdullah Gajiwala (19), Mudassir Abdullah Ghaziwala (22) and Ibrahim Mohammad Husen Ghagha (30) from Banaskantha district; Zakariya Durani Mohammad Ammar Ghagha (21), Mufti Faujan Ismail Dauwa (40) and Mohammad Amin Shera (21) from Patan district; Mohammad Abdul Rahman Savdi (22) from Navsari district; and Bilal Durani Mohammad Ammar Ghagha (18) from Madhya Pradesh.
The ATS has registered a case under multiple stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), including Section 13 (punishment for unlawful activities), Section 17 (raising funds for terrorist acts), Section 18 (conspiracy), Section 38 (membership of a terrorist organisation) and Section 39 (support to a terrorist organisation).
The accused have also been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to criminal conspiracy and offences associated with waging war against the Government of India. According to officials, the invoked provisions include Section 148, dealing with conspiracy connected to grave offences, and Section 61, which relates to criminal conspiracy. Officials further stated that Section 147 of the BNS addresses offences involving waging war, attempting to wage war or abetting war against the Government of India.
Investigators are now examining the suspects’ alleged communication channels, financial transactions, digital footprints and possible interstate or cross-border links to determine the extent of the alleged network and whether additional individuals were involved.
Security experts note that Gujarat’s strategic coastline, industrial infrastructure and international connectivity make the state a high-priority area for counter-terror surveillance. The latest operation reflects the proactive intelligence-led approach adopted by security agencies to identify and neutralise suspected extremist networks at an early stage before they can evolve into operational threats.
The investigation remains underway, and the allegations against the accused will be tested through the judicial process. The arrests represent allegations made by the investigating agency and do not constitute proof of guilt. The accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
