Gujarat ATS: Five JeM-Linked Suspects Were Learning Bomb-Making Techniques, Planned Explosive Attacks

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The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Friday said that the five men arrested earlier this week for their alleged association with a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) module were attempting to acquire bomb-making skills and were preparing to carry out explosive attacks.

The arrests were made on July 15, shortly after the ATS dismantled an alleged JeM-linked network operating in the state. On Thursday, a court in Kadi, Mehsana district, remanded all five accused to eight days of ATS custody for further investigation.

Addressing the media, ATS Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sunil Joshi said that the investigation gained momentum following the interrogation of Mohammed Amin Shera, who had been arrested earlier this month. According to Joshi, Shera's questioning revealed the involvement of another group of individuals who were allegedly making preparations for a planned bomb blast.

The five arrested have been identified as Bilal Shera (24) of Ahmedabad, a former student of Jamiyat-ul-Uloom Madrasa in Sabarkantha; Mohammad Ayyub Kadiwal (22) of Patan, a student at Jamia Abul Hasan Madrasa in Khadiyasan; Mohammad Ayyubbhai Sunsara (20) of Patan, studying at Darul Uloom Matliwala Madrasa in Bharuch; Shafi Raees Mukhi (21) of Banaskantha, a student of Jamia Islamia Talimuddin Madrasa in Dabhel; and Mohammad Hasan Hanifbhai Kardiya (20) of Patan, also studying at Darul Uloom Matliwala Madrasa in Bharuch.

Investigators alleged that these five individuals, along with previously arrested accused Mohammed Amin Shera, Zakariya Durani, Mohammad Ammar Ghagha, and Ahmed Abdullah Gajiwala, were involved in developing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Officials also claimed that Mufti Faujan Ismail Dauwa provided support to the group during their activities.

According to the ATS, the accused were actively attempting to learn bomb-making techniques and understand IED assembly and detonation mechanisms as part of their alleged preparations for carrying out terrorist attacks. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to examine the extent of the network and any additional individuals who may have been involved.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)