The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrests five additional suspects linked to the banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), as part of an ongoing probe into an alleged “Darul Islam Gujarat Jaish-e-Mohammed” sleeper cell. According to investigators, the arrests follow information emerging during the interrogation of previously held members of the network. The five people were reportedly intercepted in Patan district and later remanded to police custody for further investigation by central and state intelligence agencies.
Authorities state that one of the arrested operatives had advanced knowledge of explosives and was on the verge of constructing a live time bomb. Multiple sources also describe the group’s involvement in improvised explosive device activity, including trial runs using explosive timers. One earlier attempt at testing a crude time bomb is described as having failed, and ATS teams are carrying out searches aimed at recovering bomb-making materials, technical materials and JeM-related literature. Investigators further say Pakistan-based handlers are under scrutiny, with claims that the suspects received financial assistance from them and were directed to procure items including a second-hand vehicle. The total number of arrested suspects in the crackdown is reported as 18.
