Gujarat ATS Raids Siddhpur, Detains Suspects in Terror Network Probe

PATAN : A secret Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) operation in Siddhpur has sent shockwaves across Patan district after multiple suspects were detained during a high-level terror investigation. The operation was launched in the sensitive Jhamplipol area, where ATS teams carried out intensive searches and questioning till late evening.

According to sources, the ATS conducted a raid at a cutlery shop in Siddhpur after receiving information that a suspected terrorist had allegedly purchased batteries used in small toy devices from the shop. During the operation, a suspect was detained from Noorani Tailors located in the Jhamplipol area and taken to an undisclosed location for further interrogation.

The investigation later expanded, with five more suspects detained from different parts of Siddhpur. ATS officials, along with local police teams, carried out searches across multiple locations as part of the ongoing operation.

The latest action is linked to a larger investigation into an alleged conspiracy to revive a terrorist network and target major events, including the upcoming Rath Yatra in Gujarat. Security agencies have detained a total of eight suspected terrorists during the joint operation.

A senior official involved in the probe said, “The investigation is at a sensitive stage. Every piece of evidence is being verified and further action will be taken based on the findings.”

The ATS also searched the residence of suspected operative Mohammad Amin Shera in Chatawada village of Siddhpur taluka. His family members were questioned as investigators tried to trace the network’s activities and identify possible links.

Earlier, ATS teams had arrested eight suspected terrorists from Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, including locations such as Banaskantha, Mehsana, Navsari, Patan and Dewas. The suspects were allegedly associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed and were working under instructions from a Pakistan-based handler.

The ATS had formed multiple teams after receiving intelligence inputs and launched coordinated raids across states. Officials believe further interrogation may reveal more details about the suspected network and its activities in Gujarat.