Gujarat ATS Detains Four for Alleged AQIS Propaganda Promotion

Quick Summary

• The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested four suspects, identified as Fardeen Shaikh (Ahmedabad), Saifulla Qureshi (Modasa), Mohammad Faik (Delhi), and Zeeshan Ali (Noida), for promoting the banned terrorist group Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).
• Suspects allegedly used social media, including five Instagram accounts, to disseminate jihadist propaganda and incite youth toward anti-national activities and armed violence.
• ATS operations were conducted on July 21 and 22 across Ahmedabad, modasa, Delhi, and Noida with assistance from central agencies, Delhi Police Special Cell, and Uttar Pradesh ATS.
• Recovered items included AQIS literature and a sword from Fardeen Shaikh; materials on their Instagram accounts reportedly promoted “Ghazwa-e-Hind,” armed jihad against Indian democratic institutions.
• Cases filed under Sections 13, 18, 38, and 39 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) of 1967 and relevant Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions; investigations continue into other sensitive accounts linked to extremist activity.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The actions by the Gujarat ATS highlight India’s vigilance in addressing online radicalization threats linked to banned terrorist groups. Utilizing social media platforms for ideological propagation underscores evolving challenges in digital counterterrorism.The investigation reflects coordinated inter-agency efforts crucial for national security enforcement.

This case may prompt further scrutiny of how extremist ideologies leverage social platforms-potentially influencing policy changes or technology collaborations to strengthen monitoring protocols without compromising individual freedoms online. As authorities expand investigations into connected accounts nationwide,sustained focus on balancing comprehensive security measures with judicial oversight remains imperative to preserve India’s democratic structures.

Read more: Anti-Terrorist Squad arrests suspects over AQIS propaganda