Gujarat ATS Arrests 5 More Jaish Terror Suspects, Network Expands to 13

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has widened its crackdown on an alleged terror network by arresting five more suspected operatives linked to the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The fresh arrests take the total number of accused held in the case to 13, exposing what investigators describe as a deeper and more dangerous terror network operating within the state.

The five suspects were arrested from different parts of Gujarat after fresh leads emerged during the interrogation of eight accused who were arrested earlier. ATS officials alleged that the newly arrested men were associated with the earlier group and had participated in testing explosive devices at multiple locations.

“The investigation has uncovered crucial evidence linking the accused to the banned terrorist organisation. Further interrogation is underway to identify the full extent of the network and its possible plans,” an ATS official said.

According to investigators, forensic examination of the accused’s mobile phones allegedly revealed PDFs containing bomb-making manuals, extremist literature and documents linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed’s ideology. Officials also claimed the group had conducted at least eight explosive tests at different locations.

Police alleged that bomb-making material was recovered during the investigation, with accused Mohammad Amin identified as the alleged mastermind. Another accused, Mohammad Ayub Kadiwala, allegedly attempted to assemble a time bomb before handing explosive material to Bilal Abidbhai Shera, investigators claimed.

The five arrested accused have been identified as Bilal Abidbhai Shera, Mohammad Ayub Kadiwala, Mohammad Palanpuri alias Khali Ayub Sunsara, Shafia Rais Mukhi and Mohammad Hasan Hanifbhai Kardia.

All five were produced before the Kadi trial court, where the Gujarat ATS sought their custodial interrogation. Assistant Public Prosecutor P. R. Dantani argued that further investigation was necessary to trace the source of explosive materials, identify suppliers of alleged jihadi literature and uncover the funding network behind the suspected activities.

“The custodial interrogation is essential to recover hidden materials, identify other associates and establish the complete conspiracy,” the prosecution submitted before the court.

Accepting the prosecution’s arguments, the court granted the ATS eight days of police remand for all five accused.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials are working to determine whether more individuals are linked to the alleged terror module and whether any specific targets had been identified.