The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested five more people in connection with an alleged anti-national conspiracy linked to the banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), with two of the accused found to be associated with a madrasa in Bharuch district, officials said.
According to the ATS, two of the arrested men were students of Darul Uloom Matliwala Madrasa in Bharuch. The arrests have prompted security agencies to intensify investigations in the district to determine whether the accused had any local support network or links with other individuals.
The two accused have been identified as 20-year-old Mohammad Ayubbhai Sunsara alias Mohammad Khali and 20-year-old Mohammad Hasan Hanifbhai Karadia alias Hasan Haiderpuri. The ATS said both were studying at the madrasa and are being questioned regarding their alleged involvement in the case.
The arrests were made during the investigation into a case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). According to the ATS, searches conducted during the probe led to the seizure of Jaish-e-Mohammed flags, literature related to the outfit’s chief Masood Azhar, books promoting extremist ideology, printed documents and materials allegedly used in the preparation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
ACCUSED STUDIED METHODS OF MAKING EXPLOSIVES
Investigators also alleged that the accused had been studying methods of making explosive devices and were attempting to influence others by promoting extremist ideology. The agency said further investigation is underway to ascertain the extent of the alleged conspiracy, identify other individuals who may have been involved and determine whether the accused had established links with operatives of the banned organisation.
Following the arrests, security agencies have stepped up surveillance and verification exercises in Bharuch and surrounding areas. Officials said all aspects of the case, including the activities of the accused, their contacts and the source of the recovered material, are being examined.
The ATS has not yet disclosed whether the accused had any operational plans or if additional arrests are likely. Officials said the investigation remains at a crucial stage, and further details would emerge as the probe progresses.
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With inputs from Vickey Joshi
