Inside the Jaish Module Busted in Gujarat: Cross-Border Handlers, Propaganda Network Exposed

A newly uncovered terror module linked to the banned outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has been dismantled by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), with investigators alleging.

That the group operated under the guidance of Pakistan-based handlers to spread extremist propaganda and build a local support network. Eight people have been arrested in connection with the case.

According to the ATS, the accused had formed a wing allegedly called Darul Islam Gujarat Jaish-e-Mohammed and were inspired by JeM founder Masood Azhar. Investigators claim the group was working to recruit members, disseminate radical material and create logistical infrastructure for the terror outfit in Gujarat.

Multi-state operation leads to arrests

The arrests followed a coordinated operation involving five ATS teams and police units from Banaskantha, Patan and Navsari districts in Gujarat, along with the Dewas Police in Madhya Pradesh. The suspects were taken into custody during simultaneous raids and later brought to the ATS headquarters for interrogation.

Officials said the investigation points to a structured network with members spread across multiple locations to avoid detection while allegedly awaiting further instructions from handlers across the border.

Funds, vehicle and concealment strategy

According to investigators, the module received around ₹3 lakh from its handlers to establish its local network. The money was allegedly used to purchase a second-hand car that was intentionally not transferred into the accused persons’ names in an attempt to avoid creating an official ownership trail.

The ATS also alleges that some members operated from different locations across Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, using educational institutions and other premises as bases while maintaining a low profile.

Literature, letters and alleged Pakistan links

During the searches, investigators recovered books allegedly authored by Masood Azhar and printed in Pakistan, along with eight letters written in Urdu that were purportedly addressed to the JeM chief seeking to join the banned organisation.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sunil Joshi said the accused were allegedly in regular contact with Pakistan-based handlers identified as Abdullah and Mohammad Umar.

Based on the findings so far, the ATS has registered a case against all eight accused under multiple provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), including Sections 13, 17, 18, 38 and 39, as well as Sections 61 and 148 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The investigation is ongoing, and officials are examining the group’s communication records, financial transactions and alleged cross-border links to determine the full extent of the network.