Ahmedabad, Aug 5 (NationPress) In a significant advancement in the ongoing probe into an alleged Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) module, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has seized an illegal semi-automatic pistol along with live ammunition from Zeeshan Ali, a primary suspect who was detained earlier this month, as confirmed by officials on Tuesday.

Authorities from the Gujarat ATS indicated that the firearm was confiscated during a follow-up operation at Zeeshan Ali's residence in Noida, based on information revealed during his interrogation.

The operation was spearheaded by Police Inspector Nikhil Brahmbhatt and Police Sub-Inspector A.R. Chaudhary, under the oversight of Deputy Superintendent of Police Virajeetsinh Parmar.

This development follows the ATS's arrest of four individuals—Fardin Sheikh, Saifulla Qureshi, Mohammad Faiq, and Zeeshan Ali—on July 22 for allegedly endorsing the extremist AQIS ideology on social media platforms.

The accused are charged with inciting violence under the banner of "Ghazwa-e-Hind," advocating for an armed revolt against India's democratically elected government, and promoting violent actions against non-Muslim citizens.

Legal proceedings have commenced under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, alongside the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

In a further escalation of the investigation, the ATS also apprehended Shama Parveen, recognized as a key player within the module, from Bengaluru on July 27.

Officials confirmed that through digital monitoring and initial verification, Zeeshan Ali was suspected of harboring illegal weapons.

During intense questioning, he voluntarily provided information, leading to the discovery of the semi-automatic pistol and three live rounds.

The Gujarat ATS is persistently working to investigate the broader network, assessing potential threats and connections to other extremist groups.

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Gujarat plays an essential role in protecting the state from threats posed by terrorism, radicalization, and activities that could jeopardize national security.

Formed as a specialized unit within the Gujarat Police, the ATS is responsible for preventing, investigating, and neutralizing terrorist activities and organizations aiming to disrupt peace and stability in the region.

Over the years, the Gujarat ATS has been pivotal in dismantling sleeper cells, intercepting terror financing routes, monitoring digital radicalization, and dismantling modules affiliated with international terror organizations such as ISIS, AQIS, and others.

The unit collaborates closely with central agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and state police forces nationwide to execute high-risk operations, arrests, and intelligence-led surveillance.

Equipped with expertise in cyber forensics, intelligence gathering, and covert operations, the Gujarat ATS has achieved several high-profile arrests of terror suspects, dismantled arms smuggling networks, and thwarted potential attacks.

Additionally, the squad is actively involved in community outreach, monitoring social media for extremist content, and implementing de-radicalization initiatives to ensure long-term preventive measures.

Their role has become increasingly vital in the face of rising global terror networks and evolving digital threats, establishing it as a crucial pillar in Gujarat's and India's internal security framework.