Gujarat ATS arrests two for alleged ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’ conspiracy

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested two young men for allegedly conspiring to carry out anti-national activities and propagate a radical ideology aimed at establishing 'Ghazwa-e-Hind' through online networks.

The accused have been identified as Irfan Kalekhan Pathan (22), a resident of Siddhpur in Patan district, and Murshid Zahid Akhtar Sheikh (21), a resident of Sakinaka in Mumbai.

According to ATS officials, the arrests follow sustained monitoring of suspicious activities on social media platforms and the internet. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the agency initiated a covert operation after receiving information that Pathan was allegedly influenced by extremist ideology and was attempting to mobilise individuals for unlawful activities.

A senior officer said that preliminary inputs suggested Pathan, along with associates, was “actively exploring ways to create unrest and recruit like-minded individuals under the garb of religious ideology”. The information was subsequently escalated to senior officials, following which a dedicated team was constituted under the supervision of ATS leadership.

During questioning, investigators allegedly recovered incriminating material from Pathan’s mobile phone, including chats and digital content indicating contact with individuals and groups espousing extremist views. Officials claimed that he was attempting to build a network across states by communicating through messaging applications such as WhatsApp and Instagram.

“The accused was allegedly discussing plans to bring together individuals with similar radical inclinations, raise funds, and explore methods of training and coordination,” an ATS officer said, adding that the probe is examining the extent of these communications and their links.

Based on the findings, a case was registered by ATS under relevant provisions of the law, and Pathan was formally arrested.

Further investigation led the ATS to Sheikh in Mumbai, who was allegedly in contact with Pathan. With assistance from the Maharashtra Police, a team traced and detained Sheikh before bringing him to Ahmedabad for questioning.

Officials said preliminary interrogation of Sheikh also revealed the presence of objectionable digital material and conversations allegedly related to the conspiracy. He was subsequently placed under arrest in connection with the case.

Both accused have been remanded to police custody for 11 days, and further investigation is under way to identify other individuals who may be part of the alleged network.

“The operation is part of continuous efforts to track and counter radicalisation and unlawful activities being planned through digital platforms,” an ATS official said.

Authorities have not disclosed further operational details, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.