Rajasthan ATS arrests woman for alleged links with Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group
NEW DELHI: The Rajasthan Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested a woman from Jaipur for allegedly being in contact with members of Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed and other anti-national elements, officials said on Sunday.According to news agency PTI, the accused, identified as Babita Dhakad alias Khadija, is originally from Gangapur City and was currently residing in Jaipur. She was taken into custody following intelligence inputs regarding her alleged links with extremist elements based outside India.A senior ATS official quoted by PTI said that a preliminary examination of her mobile phone revealed the use of two SIM cards and a Facebook account containing objectionable content as well as links to foreign-based profiles.
Social media accounts, foreign contacts under scanner
Investigators found several profiles in her social media friend list displaying flags and content associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed and other extremist organisations.The profiles also allegedly contained photographs resembling armed militants.The ATS further found that her WhatsApp activity showed communication with multiple Pakistani phone numbers and other foreign contacts.Sources cited by PTI said several Pakistani numbers were stored in her contact list, some of which could be linked to terror operatives. Authorities are now examining the nature of those communications and whether they had any operational significance.During questioning, the woman allegedly told investigators that she had converted to Islam after being guided by a Pakistan-based Mufti over the phone.The sources further claimed that her alleged handlers were planning to facilitate her travel to Pakistan.Officials are investigating the extent of her contacts, the purpose of the communications and whether any wider network was involved.
Booked under UAPA
Based on the findings of the preliminary investigation, the ATS arrested the woman under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), PTI reported.She was produced before a court, which remanded her to ATS custody until June 27.The investigation is ongoing, and officials are continuing to analyse her digital devices, social media activity and foreign contacts to determine the full scope of the alleged links.
