Gujarat ATS Busts Jaish Module; Cross-Border Links, Propaganda Trail Unearthed

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has uncovered what it describes as a newly formed module of the banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), arresting eight people during a coordinated multi-state operation.

Investigators allege the group was in contact with Pakistan-based handlers and was working to expand the organisation’s presence in Gujarat through recruitment, propaganda and logistical support.

The operation was carried out jointly by five ATS teams along with police units from Banaskantha, Patan and Navsari in Gujarat and Dewas in Madhya Pradesh. The eight suspects were detained in simultaneous raids and brought to the ATS headquarters for questioning.

According to the ATS, the accused had organised themselves under a unit allegedly named Darul Islam Gujarat Jaish-e-Mohammed. Officials claim the group was inspired by JeM founder Masood Azhar and was preparing a support network that could facilitate anti-national activities at the direction of handlers based across the border.

Investigators said the module had allegedly received ₹3 lakh from its handlers to build its local infrastructure. Part of the money was reportedly used to purchase a second-hand car, which was deliberately kept out of the accused’s names to avoid attracting attention through official vehicle records.

The ATS further alleged that members of the module were spread across different districts to reduce the risk of detection. During the investigation, officials identified locations in Patan, Navsari, Mehsana, Banaskantha and Dewas where the accused were allegedly operating while maintaining regular communication with one another.

Searches conducted during the raids led to the recovery of literature allegedly written by Masood Azhar and printed in Pakistan. Investigators also seized eight letters in Urdu that were purportedly addressed to the JeM chief expressing a desire to join the banned outfit.

Speaking about the probe, DIG Sunil Joshi said the accused were allegedly in continuous contact with two Pakistan-based handlers identified as Abdullah and Mohammad Umar.

Based on the evidence collected so far, the ATS has booked all eight accused under multiple provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), including Sections 13, 17, 18, 38 and 39, along with Sections 61 and 148 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Officials said the investigation is continuing to determine the full extent of the alleged network, including its funding channels, recruitment efforts and cross-border connections.