Gujarat ATS Dismantles Alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed Network in Coordinated Operation

In a significant counter-terrorism success, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested eight individuals suspected of links to the Pakistan-based banned terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The arrests, carried out on July 2 across Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, have reportedly disrupted efforts to establish an active terror support network in the region.

The ATS said the arrested persons “established an active network of JeM in Gujarat” and “were in contact with Pakistani handlers”. (File Photo) | The Indian Express

Background of the Operation

Acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding suspicious activities in North Gujarat’s Banaskantha-Patan belt, the ATS formed multiple teams and launched simultaneous raids. The operations spanned districts including Banaskantha, Patan, Navsari, and Mehsana in Gujarat, along with Dewas in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh. Local police and Special Operations Group units provided crucial assistance during the raids.

Two of the key suspects were intercepted near Nandasan on the Mehsana-Banaskantha highway, which led investigators to the remaining members.

Profile of the Accused

The arrested individuals include residents from various parts of Gujarat and one from Madhya Pradesh. They are Ahmed Abdullah Gajiwala (19), Ibrahim Mohammad Husen Ghagha (30), Mudassir Abdullah Ghaziwala (22) from Banaskantha; Zakariya Durani Mohammad Ammar Ghagha (21), Mufti Faujan Ismail Dauwa (40), and Mohammad Amin Shera (21) from Patan; Mohammad Abdul Rahman Savdi (22) from Navsari; and Bilal Durani Mohammad Ammar Ghagha (18) from Dewas, Madhya Pradesh.

Several of the accused were associated with religious seminaries in Siddhpur and Chikhli. Authorities allege that the group operated as a close-knit unit under the banner “Darul Islam Gujarat Jaish-e-Mohammed,” working to expand the organisation’s influence through recruitment and ideological propagation.

Activities and Evidence Recovered

Investigators claim the suspects maintained contact with handlers based in Pakistan, identified as Abdullah and Mohammad Umar. They reportedly received funding of around ₹3 lakh, which was used in part to acquire a vehicle, and were tasked with securing safe hideouts.

During the searches, officials recovered extensive jihadi literature, including over 250 digital files containing speeches, audio, videos, photographs, and the JeM flag. Eight Urdu letters addressed to JeM founder Masood Azhar were also seized. Some of the material, including sections of books authored by Azhar, had been translated into Gujarati to facilitate wider local circulation. Encrypted applications on mobile devices reportedly held additional incriminating evidence. No weapons were found during the raids.

The group is accused of attempting to recruit members, spread extremist ideology, and prepare logistical support for potential future operations.

Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Probe

A case has been registered against the eight individuals under relevant provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). They have been remanded to police custody for further interrogation. The investigation continues to examine funding channels, external linkages, and the full scope of the alleged conspiracy.

This case adds to the ATS’s recent efforts in monitoring and preventing terror-related activities in the state.

The MGMM Outlook 

The Gujarat ATS operation reflects the growing effectiveness of India's intelligence-driven counter-terrorism framework in identifying and dismantling networks before they can evolve into larger security threats. The coordinated raids across Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh demonstrate strong inter-agency cooperation, while the arrests indicate that security agencies remain vigilant against attempts by Pakistan-based terror outfits to establish support structures within the country. The recovery of extremist propaganda, encrypted communications, and evidence of foreign linkages highlights the changing nature of terror ecosystems, where recruitment, ideological influence, and logistical preparation often precede violent acts.

The case also underscores the need for sustained monitoring of radicalisation channels, cross-border financing, and digital communication platforms used by extremist organisations. The swift action by the Gujarat ATS reinforces confidence in India's security apparatus and its proactive approach to protecting national interests. As investigations continue to uncover the wider network and funding mechanisms, such operations send a clear message that attempts to undermine the country's internal security will be met with decisive and coordinated enforcement.

(Sources: The Hindu, The Indian Express, NDTV)