Ahmedabad: The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested two individuals for their alleged involvement in a conspiracy to carry out anti-national activities inspired by extremist ideology, officials said.

According to ATS sources, the agency has been continuously monitoring anti-India activities on social media and the internet through a combination of technical surveillance and human intelligence. During such monitoring, Police Sub-Inspector A.P. Parmar received specific intelligence regarding Irfan Kalekhan Pathan, a resident of Siddhpur in Patan district.

The intelligence input suggested that Pathan was allegedly influenced by radical Islamist ideology and was planning to promote the concept of “Ghazwa-e-Hind” in India. He was reportedly attempting to incite armed rebellion against the government, create fear among the public, and mobilise individuals for extremist activities.

Officials said Pathan was allegedly making preparations to procure weapons, manufacture explosive devices, and recruit individuals from India and abroad by encouraging them to participate in jihad.

Acting on the intelligence, ATS officials informed senior authorities and formed a special team under the guidance of Superintendent of Police Siddharth. The team included Deputy Superintendent of Police Virjitsinh Parmar and other ATS personnel.

Pathan was detained and brought to the ATS office for questioning. During preliminary interrogation, investigators examined his mobile phone and found that he was allegedly in contact with operatives linked to the terrorist organisation ISIS, as well as several radical groups, through WhatsApp and Instagram.

The probe revealed that Pathan, along with his associates, was allegedly planning a series of activities, including targeting political leaders and individuals associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), promoting extremist ideology, and attempting to establish Sharia-based governance. Officials said he was also suspected of recruiting and training individuals in handling weapons and manufacturing explosives, including RDX-based devices.

ATS sources further stated that the accused was allegedly attempting to establish links with international terror organisations, facilitate the smuggling of weapons from Pakistan and Afghanistan, and arrange funds for such activities.

Based on the findings, the ATS registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and arrested Pathan, a resident of Amrit Park Society in Siddhpur.

During the course of investigation, another accused, identified as Murshid Zahid Akhtar Sheikh (21), a resident of Sakinaka in Mumbai, was also found to be allegedly involved in the conspiracy. A joint operation was carried out with the assistance of the Maharashtra Police, following which Sheikh was detained.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Sheikh’s mobile phone contained objectionable material and chats indicating the planning of anti-national activities in coordination with Pathan. He was subsequently arrested in connection with the case.

Both accused have been remanded to 11 days of police custody, and further investigation is underway to identify other individuals allegedly linked to the conspiracy.

ATS officials said the operation marks a significant step in curbing extremist activities being propagated through digital platforms. DeshGujarat