The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has ramped up its investigation into an alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) network in Patan district’s Siddhpur. Following fresh leads, around five more suspected individuals were questioned as part of the ongoing probe. This move comes after the ATS arrested eight alleged operatives before the annual Rath Yatra.
Investigators revealed that the intensified questioning was triggered by indications of deeper links within Siddhpur taluka. ATS teams conducted searches at the residence of accused Mohammad Amin Shera in Chatavada village and interrogated his family members. Additionally, officers visited commercial areas like Japalipol in Siddhpur to question traders regarding suspicious items allegedly bought by Shera.
The investigation extended late into the evening, with officials exploring potential connections to other individuals. An official involved in the probe stated, “We are acting on intelligence inputs and conducting the investigation. Currently, these individuals are being questioned.” No new arrests have been announced by the ATS in relation to this recent questioning.
This development follows the arrest of eight individuals from Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh by the ATS, who were reportedly trying to establish a Jaish-e-Mohammed network in Gujarat. The agency disclosed that the accused had formed an organization named “Darul Islam Gujarat Jaish-e-Mohammed” and were in touch with Pakistani handlers identified as Abdullah and Mohammad Umar.
Allegations suggest that the group translated JeM literature into Gujarati to propagate the organization’s ideology, recruited reliable members, and received approximately Rs three lakh in funding. During searches, the ATS claimed to have seized digital material related to JeM, including literature, audio and video files, a JeM flag, and Urdu letters addressed to the outfit’s founder Masood Azhar.
The eight accused have been charged under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for offenses like unlawful activities, fundraising for terrorist acts, conspiracy, and supporting a terrorist organization. They were previously remanded to ATS custody as investigations into the alleged network persist.
