5 held as Gujarat Police crack down on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror module
Source Entity
The Indian Express
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad has arrested five individuals linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, following the earlier detention of eight others. The suspects are accused of testing improvised explosive devices as part of a wider terror conspiracy.
Gujarat ATS Neutralizes Jaish-e-Mohammed Terror Module
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has successfully executed a significant counter-terrorism operation, resulting in the arrest of five individuals allegedly linked to the Pakistan-based terror organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). These arrests, conducted in Khadiyal village within the Siddhpur taluka, mark a critical escalation in the state's ongoing crackdown on extremist elements operating within its borders.
Detailed Breakdown of the Arrests
The suspects have been identified as Bilal Abid Shera (24), Mohammad Ayyub Kadiwala (22), Mohammad Ayyub Sunsara alias Mohammad Khali (20), and Mohammad Hasan Hanif Kardiya alias Hasan Haiderpuri (20), all residents of Patan, along with Shafi Raees Mukhi alias Shafi Chhapi (21) from Banaskantha. These arrests follow a string of prior detentions, totaling eight others apprehended earlier in the month, suggesting a deep-rooted network that the ATS is systematically dismantling.
The Gravity of the Threat
The investigation has uncovered alarming evidence suggesting that the module was not merely ideological in nature but actively engaged in technical preparations for violence. Authorities report that the accused were heavily involved in the testing of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Most notably, reports indicate that the group attempted to carry out test explosions on at least eight separate occasions, signaling a dangerous level of operational intent.
Legal Framework and Prosecution
This operation is grounded in a robust legal response. Following information provided by Deputy Superintendent of Police Harsh Upadhyay, the ATS registered a formal case on July 2. The charges are severe, encompassing terror financing, conspiracy, membership in a terrorist organization, and support for a proscribed entity under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Furthermore, the investigation is utilizing the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to address the conspiracy aspects of the plot.
Broader Security Implications
The neutralization of this module highlights the persistent threat posed by sleeper cells attempting to establish a foothold in Gujarat. The transition from recruitment and financing to the actual testing of explosive devices represents a critical threshold that necessitates heightened vigilance from state and central intelligence agencies. By disrupting these activities at the testing phase, the Gujarat ATS has likely prevented a significant security incident.
Future Trends in Counter-Terrorism
Looking ahead, the focus for law enforcement will likely remain on mapping the logistical supply chain that allowed these individuals to procure materials for IED testing. The successful apprehension of these thirteen individuals—five in this latest wave and eight previously—provides investigators with a wealth of intelligence. Future trends suggest that the ATS will continue to leverage UAPA provisions to ensure that the accused face the full extent of the law, while simultaneously intensifying surveillance in the Patan and Banaskantha regions to identify any remaining peripheral associates of this JeM-linked network.
Multiple Citing Sources