In a significant counter-terrorism effort, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has apprehended three suspected operatives affiliated with ISIS in Ahmedabad, who were allegedly planning coordinated terror attacks throughout India.
According to official sources, the suspects had been monitored for nearly a year before their arrest, which occurred while they were allegedly attempting to exchange weapons. Initial investigations indicate that the individuals were part of two distinct ISIS-linked modules operating in different regions of the country. Detailed interrogations have commenced to uncover their connections to other associates, intended targets, and specific locations considered for the planned attacks.
“The terrorists had come to Gujarat for a weapon exchange and were planning attacks at multiple locations across India,” the ATS stated. This operation represents a significant triumph for the Gujarat ATS in its ongoing efforts to disrupt extremist networks within the nation.
Earlier in the year, the same agency dismantled an Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) module, resulting in the arrest of five operatives, including a woman from Bengaluru who was accused of orchestrating an online radicalization network with ties to Pakistani handlers. The suspects—identified as Fardin Sheikh, Saifulla Qureshi, Mohammad Faiq, and Zeeshan Ali—were taken into custody on July 22 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
During a follow-up operation, officials recovered an illegal semi-automatic pistol and live ammunition from Zeeshan Ali’s residence in Noida. This crackdown was spearheaded by Police Inspector Nikhil Brahmbhatt and PSI A.R. Chaudhary under the oversight of DySP Virajeetsinh Parmar.
The AQIS module had reportedly been promoting extremist propaganda under the label of “Ghazwa-e-Hind,” inciting violence against India’s democratic institutions and targeting non-Muslim communities. Following this, on July 27, the ATS arrested Shama Parveen from Bengaluru for her pivotal role in coordinating online communications and ideological indoctrination for the group.
With the recent arrests of the ISIS operatives, the Gujarat ATS has reiterated its proactive stance and efficiency in countering emerging terror threats. Ongoing investigations aim to trace funding sources, communication networks, and potential cross-border connections involving the arrested individuals.
