Maharashtra’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) apprehended a software engineer in Pune on Monday, suspecting his involvement with banned organizations, including Pakistan-based Al Qaeda, and his role in radicalizing young individuals. The suspect, Zubair Hangargekar, had been under ATS surveillance for the past month. He was brought before a Special UAPA Court, which remanded him to police custody until November 4. The arrest, made in Pune’s Kondhwa area, was based on allegations of anti-national activities and potential terror plots targeting Maharashtra and other major cities. Investigators found incriminating materials at his residence, believed to be used for radicalizing youth. This development follows a broader ATS investigation into a terror network, which included raids on multiple Pune locations on October 9, uncovering electronic devices and documents. The ATS action is also concurrent with recent arrests in Delhi and Bhopal linked to the Islamic State’s online radicalization efforts, underscoring the persistent threat of extremist groups operating through digital channels.
