4 arrested in Dhanbad as Jharkhand ATS cracks down on terror network links

THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK

Ranchi, April 26: In a major counter-terror operation, Jharkhand’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested four individuals in Dhanbad on Saturday for alleged links to banned terrorist organisations, including Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT) and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).

The operation comes just months after Hizb ut-Tahrir was officially banned by the Government of India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on October 10, 2024. This case marks the first criminal action against the group since the ban.

Coordinated Raids Across Dhanbad

Acting on secret intelligence, the ATS launched coordinated raids at over 15 locations across Dhanbad, including Wasseypur and the Noor Masjid area.

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During the raids, officers recovered two high-quality pistols, 12 cartridges, several mobile phones, laptops, and a large quantity of banned literature and documents linked to extremist organisations.

The arrested individuals have been identified as:

• Gulfam Hasan (21), resident of Ali Nagar, Bankmore
• Aayan Javed (21), resident of Aman Society, Bhuli
• Mohd. Shahzad Alam (20), resident of Aman Society, near Bhuli Bypass
• Shabnam Praveen (20), wife of Aayan Javed, resident of Shamsher Nagar, Bankmore

ATS officials are currently interrogating all four.

Dark Web Links and Arms Trade

According to preliminary investigations, the arrested individuals were allegedly radicalising local youths via social media and the dark web, linking them to terrorist networks. They were also reportedly involved in the illegal arms trade and other anti-national activities in Dhanbad district.

Heavy police presence was maintained at all search sites to prevent any untoward incidents during the raids.

Hizb ut-Tahrir’s Growing Footprint

Hizb ut-Tahrir, founded in Jerusalem in 1953, has been active in promoting religious extremism and recruiting individuals for jihadist activities. Authorities say the group has been working to raise funds for terrorist operations and has links to ISIS and other banned organisations.

The Ministry of Home Affairs banned the group citing its involvement in activities that threaten the sovereignty and integrity of India.

Past Operations Against Al-Qaeda Cells in Jharkhand

This operation follows a similar crackdown last year, when Jharkhand ATS, alongside Delhi Police, arrested nine suspects during raids across Ranchi, Hazaribagh, and Lohardaga. Among those arrested was Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed, a radiologist at Medica Hospital in Ranchi, accused of being a key Al-Qaeda operative planning to turn India into an Islamic state.

Investigation Continues

A formal criminal case has been registered at ATS headquarters in Ranchi, and further investigations are underway to uncover the full extent of the terror network’s activities in Jharkhand.

ATS officials have assured that the crackdown on extremist networks will continue with full force to ensure the safety and security of the state.