PUNE, 12 NOV. The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) recently arrested Zubair Hangargekar, a 35-year-old software engineer residing in Pune's Kondhwa area, on charges of having connections with the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda. The investigation has revealed several shocking facts. The latest disclosure by the ATS is the discovery of phone numbers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman on the accused's mobile and laptop.
Translations of Osama's Urdu Speeches Recovered
According to information received from ATS officials, the accused was working for a reputed IT company and earning an annual salary of approximately ₹22 lakh. Despite this, he was secretly associated with radical ideology for the past several months and was attempting to incite youths in the name of "religious teachings." Sources indicate that more than 1 Terabyte of digital data has been seized from Hangargekar. This data includes Urdu translations of speeches by Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, information on bomb making, pictures of weapons, and several radical videos.
Secret Meeting Held in Mumbra
The investigation also revealed that the accused participated in a secret meeting in Mumbra, where he established contact with some suspicious individuals. The phone numbers of these contacts were found to be linked to Pakistan and Middle Eastern countries. Although direct communication evidence has not been found in the call records, the ATS states that serious clues have been discovered in the data exchange and chat records. Officials say that Zubair was trying to turn youths towards religious fanaticism through social media and encrypted apps. He used to give online "lectures" on Islamic extremism and allegedly invited some local youths for "secret religious studies."
Hangargekar is Technically Proficient
An ATS official stated that Hangargekar is a technically proficient person. This suggests that terrorist organizations are now targeting professionals in the IT sector to misuse technology and expand their network. Following this incident, security agencies across Pune and the entire state of Maharashtra have been put on alert. The ATS has appealed to citizens to immediately report any suspicious online content or individual to the police. This case is not only a warning for the state's security but also shows that digital radicalization is becoming the new face of terrorism in India, where the roots of terror are spreading not through guns, but through keyboards and screens.
Will Remain in Police Custody Until November 14
According to the preliminary report of the ATS, the accused's foreign contacts had instructed him to share and propagate material related to "Jihadi ideology." He was translating this material and uploading it on Indian social media platforms. The accused has been arrested under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act), and the court has extended his police custody until November 14. Investigation agencies are now working to find out if any other local or foreign associates were involved in his contacts.
