Gujarat ATS recovers gun from Al Qaeda suspect Zeeshan Ali in anti-terror probe

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has recovered a semi-automatic pistol and three live rounds from the residence of Zeeshan Ali, an accused linked to the banned terror organisation Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), in Noida, as part of its continuing investigation into an alleged radicalisation and terror propaganda module.

According to ATS officials, Zeeshan Ali, son of Asif Ali, was earlier arrested along with Fardeen Sheikh, Saifullah Qureshi, and Mohammad Faiq on July 22, 2025. The quartet had allegedly been promoting the ideology of AQIS and advocating armed rebellion through social media channels—particularly under the banner of 'Ghazwa-e-Hind'—to incite Indian Muslims to engage in acts of violence and terrorism.

A  senior ATS official said, “The group was actively spreading extremist content on Instagram and other platforms, glorifying jihad, and calling for the establishment of an Islamic caliphate in India governed by Sharia law. Their propaganda called for armed revolt against the democratically elected Indian government, under the pretext of religious justification.”

The case against the accused has been registered under multiple sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, along with Sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, relating to waging war, promoting enmity, and criminal conspiracy.

Subsequently, on July 27, ATS officials detained Shama Parveen, daughter of Shamsul Ansari, who is alleged to be the main handler of the module’s Sadar operations. She was traced to Bengaluru and taken into custody for further questioning.

During the ongoing interrogation of Ali, ATS investigators led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Virjitsinh Parmar uncovered critical intelligence suggesting that the accused owned illegal firearms. Acting on this information, a team conducted a search operation at Ali’s residence in Noida, resulting in the recovery and seizure of one semi-automatic pistol and three rounds of ammunition.

Officials have stated that the weapon was allegedly procured to be used in furthering the objectives of the banned organisation.

“The seizure of this weapon is a significant development and points to the seriousness of the group’s intentions. We are further verifying the source of the firearm and investigating whether it was part of a larger network of arms procurement,” said a senior ATS officer.

The Gujarat ATS is continuing its probe into the AQIS-linked module, and further arrests or recoveries are not being ruled out.