Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Mumbai, October 27 (IANS) The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Monday arrested a software engineer in Pune for his alleged links with banned organizations like Pakistan-based Al Qaeda and role in radicalizing the youth. An officer gave this information.
Zubair Hangargekar, who was under Pune ATS surveillance since last month, was produced in the court soon after his arrest. The special UAPA court sent him to police custody till November 4.
The accused, arrested from Kondhwa area of Pune city, has been booked under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, a police officer said.
Police told the court that Hangargekar was allegedly involved in anti-national activities and was planning terror attacks in Maharashtra and other cities.
Police said that during a search of the premises of the software engineer, they recovered objectionable material allegedly meant to radicalize the youth.
In a related action, Pune Police had earlier detained four suspects from Chennai Express at Pune railway station on October 27.
On October 9, the ATS conducted raids at several locations in Pune and recovered electronic devices, documents and material, indicating the presence of a widespread terror network in the region, a police officer said.
Pune ATS action on Monday came closer to the arrest of Mohammad Adnan Khan alias Abu Muharib (19) from Sadiq Nagar, Delhi and Adnan Khan alias Abu Mohammad (20) from Bhopal in an Islamic State related case.
These two arrests indicate that the online radicalization wing of IS is extremely active. The Islamic State, which has a stronger online presence than its major forces, has adopted a number of strategies to radicalize people.
The investigation so far in the Delhi case has revealed that both were online radicalized and were reporting to a handler in Syria.
The fact that both were being controlled from Syria clearly indicates the group’s resurgence in the country.
Although the Islamic State was defeated in Syria, it has made a strong comeback.
The fact that it has already carried out 115 attacks this year compared to 72 attacks last year is an indication that the group has emerged stronger.
Intelligence Bureau officials say that India’s operation is being run out of Syria.
–IANS
rch/and