Terrorism – Gujarat ATS Arrests Eight in Alleged JeM-Linked Network Case
Terrorism – The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad has arrested eight people in connection with an alleged network linked to the banned terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed. The suspects were detained during coordinated operations in Gujarat and neighbouring Madhya Pradesh and were later produced before a court in Kadi. The court granted the ATS 14 days of remand for further questioning.
Coordinated action across two states
The arrests followed an investigation that extended across several locations, including Palanpur, Siddhpur and Navsari in Gujarat, as well as Dewas in Madhya Pradesh. ATS officials said the operation was launched after intelligence inputs indicated that a group of individuals may have been in contact with handlers based outside India.
Authorities described the case as an important development in efforts to identify and disrupt suspected terror-related activity in the region. Investigators are now examining the communication records, movements and possible local contacts of the accused.
Names of the accused released
The eight people arrested have been identified as Ahmed Abdullah Ghaziwala, Ibrahim Mohammad Hussain Ghagha, Mudassir Abdullah Ghaziwala, Zakaria Durrani, Mufti Faujan, Mohammad Amin Shera, Mohammad Abdul Rehman Sawdi, and Bilal Durani Mohammad, who is from Madhya Pradesh.
According to the ATS, the suspects had allegedly been associated with the banned outfit for around five months. The agency has not publicly disclosed details of the specific roles allegedly assigned to each accused, saying the investigation is still underway.
Surveillance and intelligence led to arrests
Speaking at a press conference, Gujarat ATS DIG (Operations) Sunil Joshi said the investigation was built on technical monitoring and human intelligence. Once the information was verified, teams were sent to multiple locations to detain the suspects.
Joshi said the first two accused were taken into custody before six others were arrested in follow-up action. ATS teams conducted searches at locations in Bhagd, Siddhpur, Navsari and Dewas as part of the operation.
Officials said mobile phones recovered from the accused contained material that investigators consider significant to the case. The devices are being examined to determine the nature of the alleged communications and whether other people may have been involved.
Alleged links to handlers under examination
The ATS has alleged that the group was acting on instructions received from handlers in Pakistan. Investigators are reviewing digital evidence and call records to establish the extent of the alleged contacts and to identify any possible financial or logistical support network.
The agency has also referred to a possible connection with Kashmir. According to investigators, an unidentified person from Kashmir allegedly met one of the main accused in Vadodara. Officials are working to verify the identity of that person and the purpose of the reported meeting.
Further questioning expected during remand
With the accused in ATS custody for 14 days, investigators are expected to question them about their alleged contacts, travel history, digital communications and any wider network that may have supported their activities.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against the accused have not yet been tested in court. Further details are likely to emerge after forensic examination of the seized electronic devices and the completion of the ATS inquiry.