Full Breakdown
Gujarat ATS Dismantles Alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed Network
7/5/2026, 12:57:37 AM
Arrests and Immediate Details
On Thursday, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested eight individuals from Banaskantha, Patan and Navsari districts in Gujarat and Dewas district in Madhya Pradesh. Police say the suspects were members of the Pakistan-based banned outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and were working to set up an active terror network in Gujarat. The arrests followed raids by ATS teams after intelligence indicated a sleeper cell.
Background on Jaish-e-Mohammed and Regional Threats
Jaish-e-Mohammed, designated a terrorist organization by India, has claimed responsibility for high-profile attacks such as the 2001 Indian Parliament assault, the 2016 Pathankot raid and the 2019 Pulwama bombing. Indian security agencies monitor JeM’s attempts to establish footholds in Indian states, especially through recruitment and propaganda.
Profiles of the Arrested Operatives
The eight accused, aged 18–40, were Ahmed Abdullah Gajiwala, Mudassir Abdullah Ghaziwala, Ibrahim Mohammad Husen Ghagha, Zakariya Durani, Mufti Faujan Ismail Dauwa, Mohammad Amin Shera, Mohammad Abdul Rahman Savdi and Bilal Durani. They came from Banaskantha, Patan and Navsari districts in Gujarat and Dewas in Madhya Pradesh; three were linked to madrasa-type institutions.
Evidence Seized and Financial Trail
Investigators seized 254 digital files of JeM literature, speeches, audio-visual material and the group’s flag, two Pakistan-printed books by Masood Azhar and eight Urdu letters to him. All eight were booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita; financial analysis traced about Rs 3 lakh from Pakistani handlers, used to buy a second-hand vehicle whose ownership was concealed.
Official Statements
The ATS called the operation a major breakthrough against a highly organised network under the banner ‘Darul Islam Gujarat Jaish-e-Mohammed’. SP K Siddharth said the module was actively working for JeM, and DIG Sunil Joshi noted contact with handlers Abdullah and Mohammad Umar.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources vary on name spellings (e.g., “Ghagha” vs “Ghaziwala”) and suspect ages. Independent verification of the alleged Pakistani-handler links has not been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Eight accused were arrested on Thursday from different districts of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. They are members of banned terror organisation, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and were actively working on behalf of it to set up an active terror network in Gujarat,” — ATS official
- “Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sunil Joshi said the module had allegedly remained in regular contact with Pakistan-based handlers identified as Abdullah and Mohammad Umar.” — DIG Sunil Joshi
- “The group received nearly Rs 3 lakh in funding, used to buy a second-hand vehicle for operational purposes.” — ATS officials
Implications for Internal Security
The alleged network shows JeM’s use of local religious institutions to recruit youth, translate extremist material into Gujarati and obtain funding from Pakistani handlers. Disrupting such cells helps prevent attacks in Gujarat and neighboring regions.
Next Steps
The ATS placed the suspects in police custody for interrogation, while forensic analysis of seized devices continues. Authorities say further arrests may follow as the investigation uncovers broader connections.
