A major revelation has emerged during the investigation into 13 alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) from Palanpur in Banaskantha district and Siddhpur in Patan district.
According to investigators, the suspects allegedly carried out eight test explosions near Siddhpur as part of preparations for a major suicide attack in Gujarat. The ATS also claims they were experimenting with methods described in various books to develop poisonous gas.
They used to bury the jar underground for 15 days
Alleged chemical weapon experiments conducted in glass jars
During questioning, investigators said five of the 13 suspects were in regular direct contact with Pakistan-based handlers and senior figures linked to the organisation. Letters purportedly addressed to Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Azhar Masood were also recovered from their possession.
According to the ATS, the suspects had received instructions and training material from Pakistani handlers on preparing poisonous gas.
Investigators allege the group mixed cow dung, cornflour, pieces of mutton and several hazardous chemicals inside airtight glass jars, which were then buried underground for 15 days. The process allegedly generated a toxic gas inside the containers. Authorities are still investigating the intended target and purpose of the suspected chemical weapon.
Alleged distribution of extremist literature in madrasas
The investigation has also revealed allegations that the group prepared 43 booklets based on material supplied by the terrorist organisation and distributed them secretly in several madrasas.
According to investigators, the suspects allegedly targeted adolescents and teenagers studying in these institutions. Young people who appeared vulnerable to extremist ideology were reportedly invited to gatherings under the pretext of a dawat (feast), where they were allegedly radicalised and encouraged to engage in anti-national and terrorist activities.
Mobile phones and a book received from terrorists
Some suspects allegedly trained in Jammu and Kashmir
Investigators claim some of the arrested suspects had travelled to Jammu and Kashmir, where they allegedly received training in handling firearms and other weapons before returning to Gujarat.
The ATS further alleges the group held secret meetings in areas including Vadodara and Bharuch to plan future bomb attacks in Gujarat. According to the investigation, the alleged mastermind operated from hotels with large garden premises in areas around Ahmedabad. A search operation to locate him is continuing.
They had gone to Jammu and Kashmir, received intensive training in operating deadly weapons, and then returned.
Central agencies join probe into suspected wider network
The Gujarat ATS believes the alleged Jaish module may extend beyond Gujarat and could have links to a wider network operating in other parts of India. The agency has coordinated with central security agencies and police forces in other states to widen the investigation. A suspect from Ahmedabad has also been detained and questioned over allegations that he conducted reconnaissance of sensitive locations.
Meanwhile, security agencies have stepped up surveillance of several organisations considered suspicious in Bharuch, Vadodara, Ankleshwar and Surat, while also monitoring the activities of certain youths residing in these areas.
