Gujarat ATS arrests 5 more in JeM module case; accused linked to explosive testing
Synopsis
Gujarat's ATS has now detained 13 people in a suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed module case — five more arrested on 17 July, all allegedly linked to explosive device testing and Pakistani handlers. With 254 pieces of JeM literature recovered and ideology reportedly being translated into Gujarati, investigators say the network was designed to take root deep inside the state.
Key Takeaways
The Gujarat ATS arrested five more accused on 17 July in its investigation into an alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) module.
Total arrests in the case now stand at 13 , following eight detentions on 3 July .
The newly arrested men — including Bilal Abid Shera and Mohammed Aiyub Kadiwal — are from various districts of Gujarat .
All accused are alleged to have been involved in testing explosive devices and acting on instructions from Pakistani handlers .
The ATS previously recovered 254 pieces of JeM literature , including flags and digital material; some accused allegedly translated material into Gujarati .
The case has been registered under the UAPA and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita .
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Friday, 17 July announced the arrest of five more accused in its ongoing investigation into an alleged module linked to the banned Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The latest arrests bring the total number of detentions in the case to 13, following eight arrests made earlier this month.
Who Was Arrested
The five newly arrested individuals have been identified as Bilal Abid Shera, Mohammed Aiyub Kadiwal alias Mohammed Khadiyasan, Mohammed Shafi Mukhi alias Shafi Chapi, Mohammed Hasan Karadiya alias Hasan Haidarpuri, and Mohammed Aiyub Sunasara alias Mohammed Khali. According to the ATS, the men belong to various districts across Gujarat.
'Two days ago, ATS questioned several people regarding the case. These people were among them. These five individuals belong to various districts of the state,' an official said.
What the Investigation Has Uncovered
The ATS stated that the latest arrests followed disclosures and evidence gathered during the police remand of the previously detained accused. Investigators allege that all five men were members of JeM and were, along with the earlier accused, involved in testing explosive devices. Further details on the nature of seized material, forensic findings, and specific charges are expected to emerge as the probe progresses.
This comes amid a broader investigation that was publicly announced on 3 July, when the ATS arrested eight individuals — seven from Gujarat and one from Madhya Pradesh — for alleged links to JeM. Investigators had then alleged that the accused were attempting to establish an active network of the banned outfit in Gujarat, recruit members, spread its ideology, and maintain contact with Pakistani handlers.
Evidence and Charges
During the earlier phase of the investigation, the ATS said it recovered 254 pieces of literature, including JeM flags and digital material allegedly linked to the organisation. Some of the accused reportedly translated JeM literature into Gujarati to facilitate the spread of the group's ideology within the state.
The ATS has registered the case under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. 'The accused were acting on the instructions of Pakistani handlers and were attempting to establish a support network for the banned organisation in Gujarat,' officials had said.
What Happens Next
The probe remains active, with the ATS indicating that further investigation is underway into the module's activities, contacts, and alleged operational plans. The agency has signalled that additional disclosures from the newly arrested accused could open further lines of inquiry into the suspected network's reach across the state.
Point of View
Not chasing isolated actors. The alleged translation of JeM literature into Gujarati is the most operationally significant detail so far — it suggests a deliberate localisation strategy, not a fringe experiment. What remains unclear is the network's actual operational capacity: recovering literature and flags is not the same as establishing a functional terror cell. The UAPA's broad scope means the evidentiary bar in court will be scrutinised closely, and the distinction between ideological sympathy and active conspiracy will define how far this case travels in prosecution.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people has the Gujarat ATS arrested in the JeM module case so far?
The Gujarat ATS has arrested a total of 13 people as of 17 July — eight detained on 3 July and five more arrested subsequently. The accused are from various districts of Gujarat and one is from Madhya Pradesh.
What are the Gujarat ATS accused alleged to have done?
According to the ATS, the accused were allegedly members of the banned outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed and were involved in testing explosive devices. They are also alleged to have been in contact with Pakistani handlers and to have worked to recruit members and spread JeM ideology in Gujarat.
What evidence has the Gujarat ATS recovered in the case?
The ATS has reportedly recovered 254 pieces of literature, including JeM flags and digital material. Some accused allegedly translated JeM material into Gujarati to aid the spread of the group's ideology locally.
Under which laws has the Gujarat ATS registered the case?
The case has been registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, both of which carry stringent provisions for terror-related offences.
What is Jaish-e-Mohammed?
Jaish-e-Mohammed is a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation that has been banned in India. It has been designated a terrorist group by the United Nations and is accused of orchestrating several attacks on Indian soil, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack.
