Gujarat Police Arrest 3 ISIS Operatives Suspected of Planning Major Terror Attacks in India

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has foiled a major terror plot with the arrest of three individuals linked to ISIS from Ahmedabad. Authorities believe the suspects were planning to execute attacks across multiple Indian cities.

Weapons Exchange Foiled During Covert Operation

According to ATS officials, the arrests were made while the accused were attempting to supply and exchange weapons. "The terrorists had come to Gujarat to exchange weapons and were reportedly planning attacks at multiple locations across the country. The three arrested suspects belong to two separate modules, and investigations have begun to identify the potential targets and locations where they intended to carry out the attacks," the ATS said in a statement.

The agency had been monitoring the group's activities for nearly a year before moving in to detain them. Investigations are still underway to trace their associates and logistical support network.

Previous Crackdown on Al Qaeda Module

This latest development follows an earlier operation by the Gujarat ATS this year that led to the arrest of five members of Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), including a woman from Bengaluru allegedly linked to Pakistani handlers. The suspects, identified as Fardin Sheikh, Saifulla Qureshi, Mohammad Faiq and Zeeshan Ali, were taken into custody on July 22 for spreading radical AQIS propaganda online.

During the operation, officials recovered an illegal semi-automatic pistol and live rounds from Zeeshan Ali's residence in Noida. The seizure was made during a follow-up search based on his interrogation. The operation was carried out by Police Inspector Nikhil Brahmbhatt and Police Sub-Inspector A. R. Chaudhary under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police Virajeetsinh Parmar.

Charges and Legal Action

Authorities have booked the accused under multiple sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The group is accused of attempting to spread the ideology of "Ghazwa-e-Hind", inciting armed rebellion against the government, and promoting violence against non-Muslims.

To tighten the investigation, ATS also arrested Shama Parveen from Bengaluru on July 27. She is believed to have played a crucial role in running the digital wing of the terror network and facilitating online radicalisation.

Investigation Expands Nationwide

Officials said that the interrogation of the newly arrested ISIS operatives could provide crucial leads connecting domestic modules with international handlers. With the ATS uncovering successive extremist cells in recent months, the agency has intensified its intelligence coordination with other state and central security forces to prevent further threats.