Ahmedabad: The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested two individuals for allegedly conspiring to wage war against the nation and establish a radical terror network across India. The arrests were made following sustained surveillance of suspicious online activities and intelligence inputs indicating growing extremist influence.
According to officials, 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. Both are alleged to have been actively involved in spreading radical propaganda and mobilising youth through social media platforms.
Digital surveillance leads to breakthrough
The ATS stated that it had been closely monitoring anti-national activities on social media and the internet using both technical tools and human intelligence. During this surveillance, specific inputs flagged Pathan’s online activities, prompting authorities to bring him in for questioning.
A forensic examination of his mobile phone reportedly revealed contacts with individuals linked to ISIS and other extremist networks via platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram. Officials claim that Pathan was deeply influenced by radical ideology and had begun disseminating jihadist content to attract and indoctrinate youth.
Plan to build a nationwide terror network
Preliminary investigations suggest that Pathan, along with his associates, had allegedly hatched a detailed conspiracy to create a terror network aimed at establishing what officials described as “Ghazwa-e-Hind.” The plan, according to ATS sources, involved recruiting “mujahideens” from different states and training them in handling weapons and manufacturing explosives, including RDX-based devices.
Authorities further allege that the accused intended to organise training camps and build an operational network capable of executing coordinated attacks across the country.
Investigators have claimed that discussions recovered from the accused’s devices indicate plans to target political leaders and individuals associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), along with other identified groups. The broader objective, as per the ATS, was to destabilise the country and impose a radical ideological framework.
Links to cross-border networks under probe
The ATS has also alleged that Pathan was in contact with international terror organisations to facilitate the smuggling of arms from Pakistan and Afghanistan. Investigators are examining possible funding channels and external support that may have been intended to sustain the planned operations.
During the course of the investigation, the involvement of Murshid Sheikh came to light. A joint operation involving Gujarat ATS and Maharashtra Police led to his detention from Mumbai. His mobile phone reportedly contained incriminating chats and material suggesting active participation in the conspiracy.
Following interrogation, Sheikh was formally arrested.
An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 61 (criminal conspiracy) and Section 148 (waging war against the government). Both accused were produced before a local court, which has remanded them to 11-day ATS custody.
Officials have indicated that further investigations are underway to identify additional suspects and uncover the full extent of the alleged network.
