Gujarat ATS expands Jaish-e-Mohammed crackdown, arrests 5 more over terror module links

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested five more people in connection with an alleged terror module linked to the Pakistan-based banned outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), taking the total number of arrests in the case to 13.

The latest accused were identified as Bilal Abidbhai Shera, Mohammad Ayub Kadiwala alias Mohammed Khadiyasan, Mohammad Palanpuri alias Khali Ayub Sunsara, Shafia Rais Mukhti alias Shafi Chapi and Mohammad Hasan Kardia alias Hasan Haidarpuri. They were arrested from Khadiyal village in Siddhpur taluka of Patan district.

The five were produced before Judicial Magistrate R M Bhatia in Kadi, Mehsana district, who remanded them to ATS custody until July 24.

Probe expands after earlier arrests

The investigation began earlier this month when the ATS conducted coordinated raids across Gujarat and neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, leading to the arrest of eight suspects allegedly linked to the same network.

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With the latest arrests, investigators believe they have uncovered a wider module allegedly involved in radicalisation, recruitment and logistical support for the banned terror outfit.

Alleged links to Pakistan-based handlers

According to ATS officials, the accused were allegedly in contact with handlers based in Pakistan through encrypted messaging platforms and social media applications.

Investigators claim the group was attempting to identify and recruit vulnerable individuals while circulating extremist content online. The agency is also examining whether the network was providing logistical assistance aimed at expanding the organisation's presence in western India.

Electronic devices seized for forensic analysis

During the latest searches, the ATS seized mobile phones, laptops and other electronic devices, which have been sent for forensic examination.

Officials believe the digital evidence could help trace communication records, financial transactions and possible links to other individuals under surveillance. Investigators are also scrutinising bank accounts and online activity to determine whether the alleged module received foreign funding or had links with interstate networks.

Investigation continues

The ATS has not disclosed whether the accused had identified any specific targets, saying the investigation remains at a crucial stage.

Security agencies are continuing to interrogate the accused to establish the structure of the alleged module, its recruitment methods and the extent of its cross-border connections.

Officials indicated that further searches and arrests are possible as forensic findings and intelligence gathered during questioning continue to be analysed. The probe is being carried out in coordination with central and state security agencies to determine whether the alleged network extended beyond Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

With inputs from ANI.