In a major counter-terrorism operation, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested four individuals suspected to be linked with the banned terror outfit Al-Qaeda. The arrested men include two residents from Gujarat and one each from Delhi and Noida.

The accused have been identified as

1. Mohd Faiq from Faraskhana, Delhi;
2. Mohd Fardeen from Fatehwadi, Ahmedabad;
3. Sefullah Kureshi from Bhoi Wada, Modasa (Aravalli district); and
4. Zeeshan Ali from Sector 63, Noida.

According to senior ATS officials, these individuals had been under surveillance for weeks due to their involvement in online radicalisation activities. They were reportedly spreading extremist propaganda via social media and encrypted, auto-deleting mobile applications. The group was found to be actively disseminating Al-Qaeda ideologies and participating in online groups that glorified the terror outfit. The suspects reportedly held fanatical views and were discussing sensitive movements within Gujarat.

Investigations further revealed that the accused had long-standing digital communications with operatives connected to Al-Qaeda. These conversations included the sharing of extremist content, strategy exchanges, and coordination efforts that posed a severe threat to public safety. ATS teams have recovered incriminating digital evidence, including chat histories and social media profiles used to promote radical narratives.

The arrests follow weeks of technical surveillance and intelligence gathering that exposed a growing digital network attempting to radicalise youth in Gujarat and other parts of India. All four men are currently in custody and undergoing detailed interrogation. Officials have not ruled out the involvement of a larger network and anticipate more arrests as the investigation deepens.

ATS sources emphasized that extremist groups are increasingly using modern technology to spread their influence, and agencies are intensifying monitoring to counter these efforts. A formal statement from the Gujarat ATS is expected soon, detailing further findings.