JeM sleeper cell probe: Honey-trap, suicide attack and recruitment leads emerge in Jaipur
Synopsis
A seven-day ATS interrogation of alleged JeM operative Babita Dhakad alias Khadija has thrown up a web of leads — suicide attack searches, a honey-trap module targeting Army personnel, multi-state recruitment efforts, and suspected cryptocurrency funding — painting a picture of a sleeper cell far more operationally advanced than initially indicated.
Key Takeaways
Babita Dhakad alias Khadija was arrested by the Rajasthan ATS in Jaipur as an alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) sleeper-cell operative.
Investigators found internet searches related to suicide attacks and extremist content on her devices.
She was allegedly trained to honey-trap Indian Army personnel via social media platforms.
Agencies suspect she was in contact with Pakistan -based handlers for nearly two years and was being groomed for a larger network role.
A suspected cryptocurrency channel for funding and use of encrypted platforms including WhatsApp are under investigation.
Forensic experts are working to recover deleted chats, photos, and videos from her multiple mobile devices.
Fresh leads have surfaced in the Rajasthan Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) investigation into Babita Dhakad alias Khadija, the alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) sleeper-cell operative arrested in Jaipur. A seven-day custodial interrogation has reportedly uncovered suspected online radicalisation, attempts to recruit young women, and a possible honey-trap module aimed at security personnel.
Key Developments in the Probe
According to sources familiar with the investigation, Babita had allegedly been in contact with Pakistan-based handlers linked to the terror outfit for nearly two years. Investigators suspect she was being groomed for a larger operational role within the network. Her mobile phones and digital devices have been sent for forensic examination to establish the full extent of her contacts and activities.
Notably, investigators are scrutinising her internet activity after reportedly finding searches related to suicide attacks and extremist content — a finding that has significantly widened the scope of the probe.
Honey-Trap Module Targeting Security Personnel
Preliminary findings suggest Babita was allegedly trained to establish contact with Indian Army personnel through social media platforms and attempt to lure them into honey-trap situations. Investigators are examining her social media interactions and communication records to determine whether such efforts progressed beyond the initial stages.
This comes amid a broader pattern of cross-border networks reportedly using digital platforms to target defence and security personnel, a threat agencies have flagged with increasing frequency in recent years.
Recruitment Network and Radicalisation Angle
Agencies have found indications that Babita was in touch with individuals across multiple states and may have been attempting to influence and recruit young women into radical networks. Officials suspect social media platforms were being used to spread extremist narratives and identify potential recruits.
Investigators are also examining aspects related to religious conversion. According to officials, Babita had adopted the name 'Khadija' and was allegedly influenced by individuals linked to the network. She reportedly used multiple mobile numbers and frequently deleted chats, photographs, videos, and other digital records in an apparent attempt to conceal her activities. Forensic experts are working to recover the deleted data.
Cryptocurrency and Encrypted Communication Links
Another key aspect under investigation is a suspected plan to route financial assistance through cryptocurrency channels. Sources claim Babita remained in contact with Pakistan-based operatives through WhatsApp and other encrypted platforms. Investigators are tracing possible funding links and examining whether any transactions were initiated or received.
What Investigators Say Next
The ATS is currently mapping Babita's digital footprint, financial links, associates, and communication channels. Investigators believe further questioning could reveal additional details about the alleged network and its operations. Officials have emphasised that all findings are based on ongoing investigations and inputs gathered during interrogation, and that the allegations will be subject to verification through evidence and the judicial process.
Point of View
Recruitment, and honey-trapping now run primarily through consumer apps and social media. What stands out here is the alleged multi-vector design: one operative reportedly tasked with suicide-attack research, honey-trapping defence personnel, recruiting women, and managing encrypted financial flows simultaneously. If the forensic evidence holds up, this points to a more sophisticated compartmentalisation than agencies have publicly acknowledged in recent JeM-linked arrests. The cryptocurrency angle, if verified, would also mark a notable shift in cross-border terror financing tradecraft targeting India.
NationPress
24 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Babita Dhakad alias Khadija?
Babita Dhakad, also known as Khadija, is an alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) sleeper-cell operative arrested by the Rajasthan Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in Jaipur. Investigators say she had allegedly been in contact with Pakistan-based handlers for nearly two years and was being groomed for a larger role within the network.
What is the honey-trap angle in the JeM Jaipur probe?
Preliminary findings suggest Babita was allegedly trained to contact Indian Army personnel through social media and lure them into honey-trap situations. Investigators are examining her communication records to determine how far these efforts progressed.
Why are suicide attack searches significant in this case?
Investigators found internet searches related to suicide attacks and extremist content on Babita's devices, suggesting she may have been researching attack methods. This has widened the scope of the probe beyond recruitment and radicalisation.
How was the alleged network funded?
Investigators suspect financial assistance was being routed through cryptocurrency channels, with Babita allegedly maintaining contact with Pakistan-based operatives via WhatsApp and other encrypted platforms. Funding links and any transactions are currently being traced.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The Rajasthan ATS is mapping Babita's digital footprint, financial links, and communication channels. Her devices have been sent for forensic examination, and experts are working to recover deleted data. Officials have noted that all findings remain subject to verification through evidence and the judicial process.
