Pune ATS busts terror module, arrests software engineer tied to Al Qaeda
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Monday arrested a 32-year-old software engineer from Pune for his alleged links with Pakistan-based banned organisation Al Qaeda and for reportedly attempting to radicalise youth online, officials said.
The accused, identified as Zubair Hangargekar, was arrested from the Kondhwa area after weeks of surveillance by the Pune unit of the ATS. He was produced before a special UAPA court, which remanded him in police custody till November 4.
According to ATS officials, Hangargekar had been under watch since last month for his alleged involvement in anti-national activities and plans to execute terror strikes in Maharashtra and other parts of India.
During searches at his residence, police said they recovered electronic devices and incriminating material allegedly used for the radicalisation of youth through online platforms.
The ATS said Hangargekar’s arrest followed earlier operations in Pune and other cities aimed at dismantling extremist networks. On October 27, Pune Police detained four suspects from the Chennai Express at Pune Railway Station. Earlier, on October 9, the ATS had conducted multi-location raids in Pune, recovering documents and digital evidence suggesting a wider terror network.
The development comes amid an ongoing probe into recent arrests linked to Islamic State (IS) modules across India. Earlier this month, the Delhi Police’s Special Cell arrested Md Adnan Khan alias Abu Muharib (19) from Delhi and Adnan Khan alias Abu Mohammad (20) from Bhopal, both allegedly radicalised online by a handler operating from Syria.
Security officials say these cases indicate a resurgence of extremist online networks, with operatives abroad attempting to establish contact with Indian youth through encrypted platforms.
An ATS official said investigations are underway to determine Hangargekar’s exact role, communication trail, and foreign links.
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