Gujarat ATS nabs 4 with links to Al-Qaeda, probe reveals social media radicalisation

In a significant counter-terrorism breakthrough, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested four individuals allegedly associated with the proscribed terrorist organisation Al-Qaeda. Of the four, two are residents of Gujarat, while one hails from Delhi and one from Noida.

The arrested individuals have been identified as:

1. Mohd Faiq, son of Mohd Rizwan, a resident of Faraskhana, Delhi

2. Mohd Fardeen, son of Mohd Raees, a resident of Fatehwadi, Ahmedabad

3. Sefullah Kureshi, son of Mahammed Rafik, a resident of Bhoi Wada, Modasa (Aravalli district)

4. Zeeshan Ali, son of Asif Ali, a resident of Sector 63, Noida

According to senior officials, the accused had been under ATS surveillance for several weeks due to their suspected involvement in online activities promoting extremist ideology. Preliminary investigations suggest that the quartet had been disseminating Al-Qaeda propaganda through various social media platforms and encrypted or auto-deleting mobile applications.

“The arrested individuals were actively engaged in spreading radical content and were part of several online groups promoting the ideology of Al-Qaeda,” a senior ATS officer said. “They exhibited a fanatical mindset and were found discussing sensitive movements and developments within Gujarat.”

Sources within the ATS revealed that these individuals had long been in touch with elements linked to Al-Qaeda through digital platforms. Their communication reportedly involved sharing materials glorifying the terror outfit, exchanging strategic information, and coordinating activities that raised significant security concerns.

During the operation, ATS officials also recovered incriminating digital evidence, including chat logs and social media handles suspected to have being used for extremist propaganda. The accused are believed to have used encrypted messaging services and applications designed to auto-delete content, making the tracking of their activities more difficult.

The arrests were made following sustained technical surveillance and intelligence inputs indicating a growing online network attempting to radicalise and recruit youth from Gujarat and beyond.

All four individuals are currently in custody and undergoing intensive interrogation. ATS officials have not ruled out the possibility of a larger network being involved, and investigations are underway to trace other potential operatives or sympathisers.

“This is part of a broader trend we are monitoring, where extremist groups are increasingly leveraging technology to infiltrate and indoctrinate. Further investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are likely,” the official added.

The Gujarat ATS is expected to issue a formal statement with further details once preliminary interrogation is complete.