JeM-AGH inter-state network busted: Police

Srinagar, Nov 10: J&K Police on Monday said that it busted an “interstate and transnational terror module” allegedly linked to the proscribed terror outfits Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGH) and arrested seven persons.

Among the seven arrested are two doctors from Kashmir.

However, according to officials, eight people, including three doctors, were arrested in the “white collar” terror module spanning J&K, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

The third doctor was identified as Dr Shaheen from Lucknow, who was brought by air to Srinagar for custodial interrogation.

The arrests have been made during coordinated operations in J&K, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The investigation has also led to the recovery of a massive cache of arms, ammunition, and nearly 3000 kg of explosive and IED-making materials, marking one of the largest such seizures in recent years.

The explosives included ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and sulphur.

The arrested accused have been identified as Arif Nisar Dar alias Sahil of Nowgam, Srinagar, Yasir-ul-Ashraf of Nowgam, Srinagar, Maqsood Ahmad Dar alias Shahid of Nowgam, Srinagar, Molvi Irfan Ahmad, Imam of a Masjid in Shopian, Zameer Ahmad Ahanger alias Mutlasha of Wakura, Ganderbal, Dr Muzamil Ahmad Ganaie alias Musaib of Koil, Pulwama, and Dr Adeel of Wanpora, Kulgam.

Dr Shaheen from Lucknow is the eighth accused.

Police said the role of several others is being investigated, and more arrests are likely.

Officials said several Pakistani numbers were found on the phones of Ganaie and Adeel, suspected to be handlers of the network.

POSTERS LED TO NETWORK

The investigations were started by the Police in Srinagar on October 19, when Jaish-e-Muhammad posters appeared at multiple locations in the Bunpora Nowgam area of Srinagar, threatening the Police and other security forces.

A case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosive Substances Act, and the Arms Act was registered at Police Station Nowgam.

As investigators examined CCTV footage and communication trails, they identified a key suspect in Faridabad, Haryana - Dr Muzamil Ahmad Ganaie of Pulwama working in the Emergency Department of Al-Falah Hospital.

A Police team from J&K, assisted by Haryana Police, arrested Ganaie last week.

During questioning, he allegedly revealed the name of another doctor, Dr Adeel Majeed Rather of Qazigund in south Kashmir, who was working at a private hospital in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Another team of J&K Police coordinated with UP Police to arrest Dr Adeel.

Subsequent searches based on his disclosures led to the recovery of an AK rifle from a locker at Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, which he had used while serving as a senior resident there last year.

EXPLOSIVES AND ARMS SEIZED

During the raids in Faridabad, the Police recovered around 350 kg of explosive substances and a range of IED-making materials from Ganaie’s residence.

Police said the seized items included chemicals, reagents, timers, electronic circuits, and communication gadgets.

Officials said that 360 kg of inflammable material, suspected to be ammonium nitrate, and several arms and ammunition were recovered from Ganaie’s rented accommodation in Faridabad.

Overall, searches across Srinagar, Anantnag, Ganderbal, Shopian, Faridabad, and Saharanpur led to the recovery of 2900 kg of explosive and IED-making materials, one Chinese Star pistol, one Beretta pistol, one AK-56 rifle, and one AK Krinkov rifle, along with ammunition and electronic devices, documents, and encrypted communication tools.

The Faridabad Commissioner of Police clarified that the seized material was not RDX and included 20 timers, a walkie-talkie set, batteries, and metal sheets.

An AK-47 rifle was also recovered from Dr Shaheen’s car in Lucknow, according to officials.

WHITE COLLAR TERROR ECOSYSTEM

According to the Police, the investigation has uncovered a “white-collar terror ecosystem” involving radicalised professionals and students connected with handlers in Pakistan and other countries.

Police said that the accused used encrypted channels for indoctrination, recruitment, fund transfers, and logistics coordination. Funds were reportedly raised through professional and academic networks, disguised as charitable or social causes. These professionals allegedly collected funds under false pretexts of supporting social and charitable causes, while using their academic networks for radicalisation, logistics, and recruitment.

Police said the arrested individuals were involved in identifying and radicalising recruits, raising funds, and arranging logistics for arms and explosives.

The module was reportedly in touch with handlers based in Pakistan and other countries through encrypted apps and foreign numbers.

A financial investigation has been launched to trace the flow of funds linked to the module.

“All linkages are being traced and addressed expeditiously,” the Police said. “The operation underscores the determination of J&K Police to dismantle terrorist networks operating under professional and academic cover.”

Officials described it as a major counter-terrorism success achieved through coordination among J&K Police, Haryana Police, UP Police, and central agencies.

Terming the operation a “major counter-terrorism success,” J&K Police said it remains committed to “stamping out the scourge of terrorism and its enablers, irrespective of their social or professional status.”