Major Crackdown on Alleged Terror Network in India
Arrests Across Multiple States
A significant law enforcement operation has led to the apprehension of four doctors and several associates across multiple states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, and Gujarat. These individuals are suspected of involvement in terrorism-related activities. Investigators have described the operation as the uncovering of a “white-collar terror network” infiltrating professional and academic institutions.
Seizure of Bomb-Making Materials
In two separate operations, law enforcement agencies seized more than 2,500 kilograms of bomb-making materials, in addition to various chemicals, firearms, and toxic substances. Both operations took place on the same day, and authorities are currently evaluating any potential links between them.
Links to Foreign Handlers and Banned Outfits
Reports suggest that the arrested doctors have connections to foreign handlers in Pakistan and other nations, as well as affiliations with banned organizations such as ISIS, Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGUH). They are believed to be planning attacks using chemical agents and firearms in various Indian cities.
Details of the Arrests
First Arrest: Senior Resident Doctor
The first arrest took place last week, involving a senior resident doctor from Government Medical College (GMC) in Anantnag. This individual was found with an AK-47 rifle in his personal locker and had been missing since pro-JeM posters emerged in Srinagar on October 27. He was located in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and apprehended on November 6. Police have confirmed his connections to Jaish-e-Mohammad and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, resulting in charges under the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Second Arrest: Kashmiri Doctor in Haryana
On November 9, a Kashmiri doctor and faculty member at Al Falah University in Haryana was arrested during a coordinated operation involving Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana Police. Authorities discovered 360 kilograms of suspected ammonium nitrate, a potent explosive, stored in 12 suitcases in Faridabad. Faridabad Police Commissioner Satender Kumar Gupta confirmed the doctor’s ties to banned terror organizations and his prior distribution of JeM-supporting posters in Srinagar. This arrest was made possible through information obtained from another detained individual.
Third Arrest: Female Doctor
On November 7, law enforcement apprehended a female doctor from the same university. A Carom Cok assault rifle was found in her vehicle. Her identity has not been disclosed, and investigations regarding her involvement are ongoing.
Fourth Arrest: Doctor in Gujarat
In Gujarat, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested another doctor accused of preparing ricin, a highly toxic biological agent derived from castor seeds. This suspect reportedly surveyed crowded locations in Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow as potential attack targets. During the arrest, authorities confiscated two Glock pistols, a Beretta, live cartridges, and four liters of castor oil intended for toxin extraction. Investigators believe this individual had contact with a handler linked to ISIS-Khorasan Province and faces charges under the UAPA, Arms Act, and Indian Penal Code.
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities are actively pursuing investigations to uncover potential connections between the actions of those arrested and larger terrorist networks operating within India.