Gujarat ATS arrests 5 more in suspected JeM module case

The Gujarat ATS arrested five more alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed members, expanding its probe into a suspected terror module. Investigators claim the accused tested explosives, spread the outfit's ideology, maintained contact with Pakistani handlers, and attempted to build a support network in Gujarat

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Friday announced the arrest of five more accused in its investigation into an alleged module linked to the banned Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), taking the probe beyond the eight arrests made earlier this month.

The ATS said the latest arrests were made after disclosures and evidence gathered during the police remand of the previously arrested accused. According to the agency, the five newly arrested men were members of the proscribed Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed and, along with the accused arrested earlier, were involved in testing explosive devices.

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The newly arrested individuals are Bilal Abid Shera, Mohammed Aiyub Kadiwal alias Mohammed Khadiyasan, Mohammed Shafi Mukhi alias Shafi Chapi, Mohammed Hasan Karadiya alias Hasan Haidarpuri, and Mohammed Aiyub Sunasara alias Mohammed Khali.

“Two days ago, ATS questioned several people regarding the case. These people were among them. These five individuals belong to various districts of the state,” an official.

Further details regarding the nature of the seized material, forensic findings and specific charges are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. The latest arrests build on an operation announced on July 3, when the ATS arrested eight people, seven from Gujarat and one from Madhya Pradesh, for their alleged links to JeM.

The agency had then alleged that the accused were attempting to establish an active network of the banned outfit in Gujarat, recruit members, spread its ideology and remain in contact with Pakistani handlers.

The ATS had registered a case under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. During the earlier phase of the investigation, the ATS said it had recovered 254 pieces of literature, including JeM flags and digital material allegedly linked to the organisation.

Investigators also alleged that some of the accused had translated JeM literature into Gujarati to aid the spread of the group’s ideology.

“The accused were acting on the instructions of Pakistani handlers and were attempting to establish a support network for the banned organisation in Gujarat,” officials had said. The probe remains ongoing, with the ATS indicating that further investigation is underway into the module’s activities, contacts and alleged operational plans.