The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad’s investigations into an Al-Qaeda case have uncovered the extensive use of servers and control centers in Afghanistan for spreading radical ideology. Zubair Hangargekar, arrested for alleged Al-Qaeda links, was found to be highly radicalized by the group’s ideology. Electronic devices seized from him indicated his intent to implement Sharia law in India and establish a Caliphate.
Al-Qaeda has been steadily building infrastructure in Afghanistan, including servers, cyber infrastructure, and content distributors. By utilizing this setup, the operatives in India can reach a broader audience without detection, operating across jurisdictions while evading Indian agencies’ radar. The ATS discovered a Pakistani contact and numbers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman on Hangargekar’s devices, currently investigating these connections.
The accused possessed jihadi literature and aimed to radicalize youth, maintaining contact with Al-Qaeda network members. Intelligence agencies note Al-Qaeda’s efforts to expand operations in India, particularly through Al-Qaeda in the Sub-Continent (AQIS) since 2014. Hangargekar used eight IDs registered in Afghanistan and Hong Kong, leveraging Hong Kong for communication routing to conduct activities discreetly.
Al-Qaeda’s propaganda dissemination in India has surged, fueling radicalization despite limited attack success. Recent attempts to establish modules and incite lone wolf strikes have been observed in various Indian regions. The outfit’s influence is more pronounced in northern India, where Osama Bin Laden is revered, contrasting with the Islamic State’s stronghold in the south. Officials emphasize vigilance due to Al-Qaeda’s significant presence and the potential spillover from neighboring Bangladesh.
