The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested two individuals in connection with an alleged anti-national conspiracy aimed at establishing 'Ghazwa-e-Hind' in India through armed rebellion and terror activities.

Following surveillance based on both technical and human intelligence inputs, Police Sub-Inspector A.P. Parmar received information indicating that Irfan Kalekhan Pathan, a 22-year-old resident of Siddhpur in Patan district, was influenced by extremist Islamic ideology and was conspiring with associates to rebel against the Government of India. Officials alleged that Pathan was collecting weapons, preparing to manufacture explosives, attempting to radicalise and recruit individuals domestically and abroad for jihad, and forming a network.

A team was formed under Superintendent of Police K. Siddharth and led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Virjeetsinh Parmar. Pathan was detained and brought in for preliminary questioning. Data from his mobile phone indicated contact with suspected ISIS-linked individuals and other radical elements via WhatsApp and Instagram. Investigators stated that the accused and his associates planned to target political leaders, members of the RSS, and others to spread terror and advance extremist objectives. Their activities reportedly included mobilising recruits from multiple states, training in weapons and explosives, establishing links with terror groups, procuring arms across borders, and arranging funds for terrorist acts.

An FIR (No. 04/2026) was registered at the ATS Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Further investigation identified Murshid Zahid Akhtar Sheikh, a resident of Sakinaka, Mumbai, as also involved in the conspiracy. An ATS team, aided by the Maharashtra Police, detained Sheikh and found objectionable material and chat correspondence with Pathan on his mobile phone. Sheikh was arrested and brought for interrogation.

Both accused, Pathan who resides at House No. 4, Amrutpark Society, J.P. Mill area in Siddhpur, and Sheikh, engaged in the chicken biryani business and living opposite Khairani Baug near Jangleshwar Temple at Jamilbhai’s residence in Sakinaka, Mumbai, have been remanded to police custody for 11 days. Investigations are ongoing to identify and act against other individuals involved.