The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 35-year-old software engineer, Zubair Hangargekar, from Pune’s Kondhwa area for his alleged links with Pakistan’s banned terror group Al-Qaeda and his role in radicalising youth. Under ATS surveillance since last month, Hangargekar was produced before a Special UAPA Court, which remanded him to police custody until November 4.
Pune Techie Linked to Terror Network
Officials said he was involved in anti-national activities and planning terror strikes in Maharashtra and other cities. During searches, the ATS recovered incriminating material intended for youth radicalisation. Earlier this month, Pune Police detained four suspects from the Chennai Express and conducted multiple raids, uncovering evidence of a wider terror network. The arrest follows recent cases involving Islamic State operatives from Delhi and Bhopal. These incidents reveal that online radicalisation networks, reportedly managed from Syria, are becoming increasingly active across India.
