AHMEDABAD — In a major coordinated counter-terrorism operation, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has dismantled a nascent sleeper cell linked to the Pakistan-based proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
The joint operation—executed by the ATS in coordination with local police units in Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana, and Navsari districts of Gujarat, alongside Dewas district in Madhya Pradesh—effectively foiled an expansion plan by the terror outfit to build an active operational network inside India.
The Arrested Suspects
According to official statements released by the Gujarat ATS, the module consisted primarily of young men aged between 18 and 22, alongside a 40-year-old cleric.
Ahmed Abdullah Gajiwala (19) – Palanpur, Banaskantha
Ibrahim Mohammad Husen Ghagha (30) – Palanpur, Banaskantha
Mudassir Abdullah Ghaziwala (22) – Palanpur, Banaskantha
Zakariya Durani Mohammad Ammar Ghagha (21) – Siddhpur, Patan
Mufti Faujan Ismail Dauwa (40) – Siddhpur, Patan
Mohammad Amin Shera (21) – Siddhpur, Patan
Mohammad Abdul Rahman Savdi (22) – Chikhli, Navsari
Bilal Durani Mohammad Ammar Ghagha (18) – Dewas, Madhya Pradesh
Three of the accused were found to be associated with local religious seminaries (madrasas) in Siddhpur and Chikhli.
Operational Details and Logistical Funding
Investigators revealed that the suspects had formed a localized front named "Darul Islam Gujarat Jaish-e-Mohammed" to extend Dawat (invitations) to vulnerable local youth and scale up recruitment.
The module was operating under the direct guidance of two Pakistan-based handlers, identified by the ATS as 'Abdullah' and 'Mohammad Umar'.
Financial Trails: The module received a transaction of ₹3 lakh from their cross-border handlers.
The funds were utilized to buy an old vehicle (which was intentionally kept unregistered under their names) and to scout a rented house to serve as a secure terror hideout. Role Designation: The primary role of this close-knit sleeper cell was to establish deep local roots, handle recruitment, and provide robust logistical support and shelter to incoming operational hit teams when ordered by Pakistan.
Official Statement: "The accused reached a stage where extremist radicalization overtook religious teachings.
They had translated radical JeM literature, including books authored by JeM founder Masood Azhar, into Gujarati to facilitate its wider circulation and radicalize local youth via social media platforms and YouTube."
Incriminating Material Seized
During the multi-city searches, law enforcement agencies seized 254 pieces of extremist literature, which included digital videos, audio files, jihadi speeches, and physical flags of the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed organization.
Crucially, investigators intercepted eight letters typed in Urdu addressed directly to JeM chief Masood Azhar, explicitly pledging allegiance and requesting to formally join the frontline ranks of the terrorist organization.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
A formal First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at the ATS Police Station in Ahmedabad.
Sections 13, 17, 18, 38, and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, dealing with unlawful activities, terror funding, criminal conspiracy, and supporting/maintaining membership in a banned terrorist organization.
Sections 61, 147, and 148 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, relating to criminal conspiracy and acts pertaining to waging war against the Government of India.
The Gujarat ATS, alongside central intelligence agencies, is currently conducting rigorous interrogations to trace the back-end banking channels used for the ₹3 lakh funding trail, identify any further radicalized local contacts, and uncover the broader network map of the cross-border handlers.