Gujarat ATS Cracks Down on Suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed Module, Five Arrested

Ahmedabad: Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested five more suspects in another major blow to the alleged network of Pakistan-backed banned terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). According to officials, these arrests have been made on the basis of inputs received during the interrogation of eight accused arrested earlier. The investigating agencies believe that all the arrested accused were allegedly involved in a conspiracy to strengthen the network of Jaish-e-Mohammed in the state. All the accused were produced in the court, from where they were sent to ATS custody for further questioning.

Who have been arrested?

The five people arrested by the ATS have been identified as Bilal Abid Shera, Mohammed Ayub Kadiwala, Mohammed Palanpuri alias Khali Ayub Sumasra, Shafia Raees Mukhti and Mohammed Hasan Karadiya. All the accused were detained from Khadiyal village of Siddhpur taluka of Patan district of Gujarat. Officials say that their names first came up during the interrogation of the arrested suspects, after which their activities were monitored and then action was taken.

What connection has emerged with the accused arrested earlier?

According to investigating agencies, eight suspects linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed were arrested from Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh this month. ATS alleges that these people were engaged in creating an active network of the organisation, connecting new people and spreading radical ideology. The links of the five recently arrested accused are also said to be linked to the same module. The agency are now trying to find out what their role was and how extensive this network was.

What important clues is the ATS looking for?

The prosecution told the court that during the investigation, information was received that some of the accused were trying to make a time bomb. The agency fears that explosive materials, bomb-making materials and literature related to Jaish-e-Mohammed in Urdu language are yet to be recovered. This is why ATS is interrogating the accused in detail to find out from where the material was brought, where it was hidden and with whom the activities were being conducted.

Was there a conspiracy to set up a network in Gujarat?

The investigating agencies claim that the arrested accused were trying to increase the influence of Jaish-e-Mohammed in the state and create a network of supporters at the local level. Earlier, ATS had said that the initial eight accused were in touch with Pakistan-based handlers and were actively working to spread the ideology of the organisation. The agency is now also investigating whether the five recently arrested accused were involved in recruitment, promotion or other activities.

In which direction will the further investigation move?

ATS is now conducting a thorough investigation of the mobile phones, digital devices, financial transactions and contacts of the arrested accused. The agency is trying to find out who else is behind the alleged network and whether its links are spread to other parts of the country as well. At present the matter is under investigation and the agencies are taking further action based on the available evidence. The final confirmation of the allegations will come only after the judicial process and investigation are completed.