Software Engineer Arrested by ATS in Pune for Alleged Links to Al Qaeda and Radicalisation Activities

A software engineer was arrested by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad in Pune for suspected links to Al Qaeda and radicalisation efforts. His old phone contained a Pakistani contact number, raising concerns about his activities.

A software engineer, Zubair Hangargekar, was arrested by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Pune on October 27. The prosecution informed a local court that Hangargekar had a Pakistani contact number saved on an old phone. He is suspected of having links with banned groups like Al Qaeda and Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent and is believed to have been involved in radicalisation activities.

During a search of Hangargekar's residence, the ATS found mobile phones with deleted PDF files titled "Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and All Its Manifestations." They also discovered an Urdu translation of a speech by Osama bin Laden delivered on Eid-ul-Fitr. Additionally, a magazine named Inspire was seized, which included photographs of AK-47 training at the OSG Gun School and instructions for making an IED using acetone peroxide from an OSG bomb school.

International Contacts and Radicalisation Concerns

The prosecution revealed that an old phone belonging to Hangargekar was retrieved during searches. Analysis of its contact list showed five international numbers, including one from Pakistan, two from Saudi Arabia, and one each from Kuwait and Oman. However, call records indicated no calls were made to these numbers. The ATS is investigating how many youths may have been influenced through Hangargekar's religious discourses in Pune's Kondhwa area.

Hangargekar was known for delivering aggressive religious talks in Kondhwa, where he also organised quiz competitions. The ATS aims to determine the extent of youth radicalisation through these activities. Following his arrest, some books, documents, and certificates from the discourse venue were moved to Kale Padal and burned in an open space by an individual. Half-burnt documents were recovered and sent for forensic analysis.

Further Investigations and Custody Extension

The prosecution has extended Hangargekar's custody until November 14 after presenting him before a special Unlawful Activities Prevention Act court in Pune. They are seeking more information from the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) lab, regarding the bomb-making procedure described in the Inspire magazine. A response from HEMRL is awaited.

The ATS continues to investigate Hangargekar's activities and connections. They aim to uncover any further evidence of his involvement with banned organisations or radicalisation efforts. The case remains under scrutiny as authorities work to gather more information and assess potential threats.

With inputs from PTI