In a major counter-terrorism operation conducted just 13 days before the annual Rath Yatra, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested eight suspected operatives allegedly linked to the banned terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The arrests were made during coordinated raids across Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh following specific intelligence inputs, officials said.

According to the ATS, the suspects were allegedly attempting to strengthen the terror organisation's network in Gujarat. Multiple ATS teams simultaneously carried out search operations at different locations, leading to the detention of all eight accused. They are currently being interrogated to determine the extent of their alleged involvement and identify any wider network or operational plans.

Officials said the action is part of heightened security measures being implemented ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, one of Gujarat's largest religious processions that attracts thousands of devotees and remains under extensive security surveillance every year.

The arrested suspects have been identified as Ahmed Abdullah Gajiwala alias Abu Ubaida (19), Ibrahim Mohammad Husen Ghagha alias Abu Hamza (30), Mudassir Abdullah Ghaziwala alias Abu Aya (22), Zakariya Durani Mohammad Ammar Ghagha alias Ibn Ammar and Zakariya Palanpuri (21), Mufti Faujan Ismail Dauwa alias Mufti Sahab (40), Mohammad Amin Shera alias Amin Palanpuri (21), Mohammad Abdul Rahman Savdi alias Mohammad Palanpuri and Abu Unisa (22), and Bilal Durani Mohammad Ammar Ghagha alias Abu Dujana, Abu Sufiyan, Abu Zundal and Umar bin Khattab (18), who hails from Dewas in Madhya Pradesh.

Investigators said the accused are being questioned over their alleged involvement in anti-national activities, recruitment efforts and suspected links with Jaish-e-Mohammed. Security agencies are also examining their communication records, financial transactions, digital devices and possible contacts with other individuals associated with extremist organisations.

The ATS has not disclosed whether the group had any immediate plans to target the Rath Yatra or any other public event. Officials maintained that the investigation is at a preliminary stage and further details will emerge after sustained interrogation and forensic examination of the seized material.

A criminal case has been registered against all eight accused under Sections 13, 17, 18, 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, along with Sections 148 and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. These provisions deal with unlawful activities, raising funds for terrorism, conspiracy, membership and support to terrorist organisations, as well as offences related to criminal conduct.

Officials said additional legal action could follow depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation. The ATS is also coordinating with central intelligence agencies and law enforcement authorities in other states to trace any interstate or cross-border links connected to the accused.

Security agencies routinely intensify surveillance before major religious gatherings such as the Rath Yatra due to the large public participation. The latest operation is being viewed as part of preventive security measures aimed at disrupting suspected terror modules before they can establish operational capabilities.

Authorities have appealed to the public not to circulate unverified information on social media and assured that all necessary security arrangements are in place for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the upcoming Rath Yatra.