‘Pakistan-linked’ maulana brought from Amreli to Ahmedabad for questioning

A Maulana from Amreli district has been brought to Ahmedabad for questioning after authorities discovered suspected links to Pakistan during a routine investigation. The matter is now under closer scrutiny, and officials say the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) may soon take over the case to examine potential national security concerns.

Maulana Mohammad Fazal Abdul Aziz Sheikh, associated with a madrasa in Amreli’s Himkhimdipara area, was initially detained by the Amreli Special Operations Group (SOG).

An investigation was launched when officials found two WhatsApp groups titled “Pakistan” and “Afghanistan” on his mobile phone. The case escalated when the Maulana -- who claims to be a resident of Ahmedabad’s Juhapura area—failed to produce valid documentation confirming his permanent residence. Authorities are now probing the duration of his stay and individuals who may have visited him during that time.

A formal complaint has been registered at the Dhari police station, and investigators are examining whether there was any communication between the Maulana and contacts in Pakistan or Afghanistan.

While officials have not found any direct evidence of criminal activity so far, they emphasised that the presence of foreign-linked social media groups on the Maulana’s phone warranted a thorough investigation.

The case remains open, and further developments are expected as questioning continues.