New Delhi, Dec 27 (NationPress) Recent investigations by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have disclosed that servers and control centers in Afghanistan are being utilized extensively to disseminate radical ideologies.

This information emerged during the questioning of Zubair Hangargekar, who was apprehended for his alleged connections with Al-Qaeda. The inquiry revealed that he was deeply influenced by Al-Qaeda's ideology.

Electronic devices confiscated from him indicated that he was leveraging the group's ideology to further a broader agenda of imposing Sharia law in India and establishing a Caliphate.

According to the investigation, Al-Qaeda has been progressively constructing a significant infrastructure in Afghanistan. Officials assert that they have established servers, cyber infrastructure, and designated content distributors.

The materials shared by Al-Qaeda operatives in India are routed through the infrastructure set up in Afghanistan. This enables operatives to engage a broader audience while evading detection. They can also function across vast jurisdictions due to this technology, remaining under the radar of Indian authorities, an official noted.

While examining Zubair Hangargekar's electronic devices, the ATS discovered a Pakistani contact. Additionally, numbers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman were found. The ATS is currently investigating the nature of his connections with these individuals and any potential roles they may have.

The ATS reports that Hangargekar possessed jihadi literature and was actively trying to radicalize the youth. He is also accused of maintaining contact with numerous members of the Al-Qaeda network.

Officials from the Intelligence Bureau state that Al-Qaeda has been making concerted efforts to broaden its operations in India. This was the main reason for the establishment of Al-Qaeda in the Sub-Continent (AQIS).

Since its inception in 2014, the organization based in Afghanistan has aimed to expand its reach in India.

The ATS discovered that the accused was using eight IDs, registered in Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Four of these originated from Afghanistan, while the others were from Hong Kong, the official highlighted.

The investigation revealed that Hong Kong was utilized for routing communications, allowing them to conduct activities discreetly, as it is classified as a technical transit and masking zone.

Intelligence agencies have been raising alarms about the increasing volume of propaganda materials circulated by Al-Qaeda in recent years. Although the group has not succeeded significantly in executing attacks in India, its propaganda has been proliferating, leading to widespread radicalization.

Currently, the focus is strictly online, said an official. It is a matter of time before they transition to the field and launch an attack, the official warned.

In recent months, efforts to establish modules have been noted in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, parts of North India, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. They have also been urging radicalized youth to carry out lone wolf strikes.

Officials express concern regarding the activities of Al-Qaeda due to its expansive reach in India. In the northern regions, it garners significantly more traction compared to the south, where the Islamic State is a more formidable force. Many still perceive Osama Bin Laden as a hero, which elucidates the heightened traction.

These developments arise amid a volatile situation in Bangladesh. Al-Qaeda is a formidable entity in that country, and the potential spillover into India cannot be overlooked, officials warn. Therefore, close monitoring of their activities is crucial to preempt any untoward incidents, the official emphasized.