Gujarat ATS Arrests Key Female Conspirator Behind Al-Qaeda-Linked Terror Module
Bengaluru/Ahmedabad, July 30:
In a major breakthrough, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested 30-year-old Shama Parveen from Bengaluru, Karnataka, for her alleged role as the key conspirator in a terror module linked to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).
Parveen, originally from Bihar and residing in Bengaluru, is believed to be the main handler and coordinator of the module, which had been under surveillance for months. According to ATS sources, she played a central role in managing communications, providing instructions, and coordinating potential terror activities from Karnataka.
Earlier Arrests Across Three States
Her arrest follows the detention of four other suspects on July 23 from Gujarat, Noida (Uttar Pradesh), and Delhi. The four men — Mohd Fardeen, Sefullah Kureshi, Zeeshan Ali, and Mohd Faiq, all aged between 20 and 25 — were reportedly working in close coordination and had been communicating through an encrypted social media application. Investigators say the group was allegedly assigned high-profile targets across India, indicating a well-structured and dangerous plan.
Cross-Border Links & Terror Plot
Authorities have stated that the suspects maintained links with foreign handlers suspected to be operating from across the border. Preliminary investigation reveals that the group was in the advanced stages of planning coordinated terror attacks at prominent locations across various Indian cities. Security agencies have retrieved electronic evidence, including chat records and digital blueprints, suggesting a large-scale conspiracy was being orchestrated.
UN Report Confirms Al-Qaeda’s Growing Presence
Adding weight to Indian agencies’ concerns, a recent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) report also highlighted Al-Qaeda’s growing efforts to expand its operations in South Asia. The 32nd report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team noted that AQIS, led by emir Osama Mehmood, is actively working to establish a footprint in Jammu and Kashmir, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
The UN report warned that AQIS has been increasing recruitment efforts and forging alliances with other extremist groups in the region to carry out ideologically driven attacks. Indian authorities believe the recently dismantled module may be part of this broader strategy.
Nationwide Security Alert
Following these arrests, security agencies have issued alerts to major cities and sensitive installations across the country. Additional intelligence inputs are being evaluated to trace any remaining module members or sleeper cells connected to this network.
The Gujarat ATS, working with central intelligence and other state agencies, continues to interrogate the suspects. Sources say further arrests could follow as more links are uncovered.