The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested five more people in connection with its investigation into an terror module linked to the banned Pakistan-based organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). With these latest arrests, the total number of accused in the case has increased to 13.
The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation launched earlier this month into an conspiracy involving extremist activities, bomb-making experiments and attempts to build a network for the banned JeM organisation in Gujarat.
Five New Accused Arrested
The five newly arrested accused have been identified as Bilal Abidbhai Shera (24), Mohammad Ayyub Kadiwala (22), Mohammad Ayyubbhai Sunsara alias Mohammad Khali (20), Mohammad Hasan Hanifbhai Kardiya alias Hasan Haiderpuri (20), all from Patan district, and Shafi Raees Mukhi alias Shafi Chhapi (21) from Banaskantha district.
They were arrested from Khadiyal village in Siddhpur taluka of Patan district after the ATS gathered evidence during its investigation.
The case was registered on July 2 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
ATS Claims Accused Received IED Training
According to ATS Deputy Inspector General Sunil Joshi, the investigation revealed that some of the accused had been staying at the Jamia Abul Hasan Madrasa in Patan district since 2023.
The ATS alleges that during this period, they received training in assembling improvised explosive devices (IEDs), learnt bomb detonation methods and circulated extremist literature. Among the material recovered during the investigation was a publication titled Akela Mujahid Jihad Kaise Kare, which investigators claim was used to understand methods of carrying out attacks.
Bomb-Making Experiments Allegedly Conducted
The ATS claims the accused procured materials such as potassium nitrate, sulphur and charcoal through online platforms and local markets.
According to investigators, the group carried out several experiments involving crude explosive devices and timer mechanisms between 2023 and February 2026. These tests were conducted in isolated areas near villages around Siddhpur to study the impact and intensity of explosions.
Officials further allege that the group experimented with different pipe sizes, pressure levels, detonators, welded casings and timer systems while conducting at least eight test blasts. The ATS claims these activities were supervised by one of the previously arrested accused, Mohammad Amin Shera.
Investigation Expanded Across Gujarat and Rajasthan
As the investigation progressed, the ATS formed multiple teams to identify additional suspects and question people who were believed to have knowledge of the conspiracy.
Working with police teams in Gujarat and Rajasthan, investigators questioned several individuals. During this process, the involvement of five more suspects came to light, leading to their arrests.
According to the ATS, evidence collected so far suggests that the newly arrested accused had an active role in the conspiracy.
Digital Material and Literature Recovered
Investigators have alleged that Bilal Abidbhai Shera supplied a pen drive containing jihadi speeches, videos and digital copies of books written by JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar to previously arrested accused Mohammad Amin Shera. The ATS claims the digital material was later printed at different locations.
Officials also stated that interrogation of Mohammad Ayyub Kadiwala revealed that he and several other accused allegedly gathered at a mosque where they discussed extremist ideology, learnt to assemble IEDs and carried out a test blast.
Cash, Flag and Documents Seized
During the investigation, the ATS said it recovered a Jaish-e-Mohammed flag, printed copies of books authored by Masood Azhar, a printed letter addressed to him and ₹1.3 lakh in cash. Investigators suspect the cash was meant to finance the activities of the alleged module.
The ATS also claims that several of the accused were in contact with Pakistani operatives. Investigators have reportedly recovered details of communication, including letters exchanged between them.
Five Accused Sent to Police Custody
Based on the evidence gathered during the investigation, the five accused were arrested on July 15. A court has remanded them to eight days of police custody to allow the ATS to continue its investigation.
Earlier, on July 3, the ATS had arrested eight alleged operatives from different parts of Gujarat and neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, claiming they were attempting to establish an active network for the banned organisation in the state.
The investigation is continuing, and all allegations made against the accused are part of the ATS investigation. The case remains under judicial process, and the accused will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations during the legal proceedings.
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