Gujarat ATS Apprehends Three Suspected ISIS Operatives Planning Attacks Across India

In a significant counter-terrorism initiative, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has detained three individuals in Ahmedabad suspected of being ISIS operatives. They are accused of plotting coordinated terror attacks throughout India.

Officials revealed that the suspects had been monitored for nearly a year and were captured during an attempted weapon exchange. Initial findings indicate that these individuals were involved with two distinct ISIS-affiliated groups operating in various regions across the country. The ATS has initiated thorough interrogations to uncover their network, planned targets, and specific attack sites.

In an official statement, the ATS declared, “The terrorists had come to Gujarat for a weapon exchange and were planning attacks at multiple locations across India.” This arrest underscores another achievement for the Gujarat ATS in dismantling extremist networks within the nation.

Earlier this year, the agency dismantled an Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) cell, capturing five operatives, including a woman from Bengaluru accused of managing an online radicalization network linked to Pakistani coordinators. The individuals — identified as Fardin Sheikh, Saifulla Qureshi, Mohammad Faiq, and Zeeshan Ali — were detained on July 22 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

During a follow-up operation, authorities recovered an illegal semi-automatic pistol and live ammunition from Zeeshan Ali’s residence in Noida. The operation was conducted by Police Inspector Nikhil Brahmbhatt and PSI A.R. Chaudhary, under the direction of DySP Virajeetsinh Parmar.

The AQIS group was reportedly spreading extremist ideology under the name “Ghazwa-e-Hind,” promoting violence against India’s democratic structures and targeting non-Muslims. Subsequently, on July 27, the ATS apprehended Shama Parveen in Bengaluru for her significant involvement in managing online communications and ideological indoctrination for the organization.

With these recent arrests related to ISIS, the Gujarat ATS has once more demonstrated its alertness and effectiveness in countering emerging terrorist threats. Ongoing investigations aim to uncover financial channels, communication ties, and cross-border connections linked to the apprehended suspects.