Maharashtra ATS arrested IT professional Zubair Hungarghekar from Pune on suspicion of Al-Qaeda links, while the NCB apprehended Danish Chikna, a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim, from Goa. Both arrests have put security agencies on high alert.
Pune: Maharashtra's security agencies have launched a major simultaneous operation against terrorism and drug networks. The state ATS arrested IT professional Zubair Hungarghekar from Pune on suspicion of having ties with Al-Qaeda, while the NCB apprehended Danish Merchant alias Danish Chikna, a close associate of Dawood Ibrahim, in Goa in a drug-related case. Both arrests are considered a significant success for India's internal security.
Suspect Linked to Al-Qaeda Network Arrested from Pune
Maharashtra ATS has arrested 33-year-old IT engineer Zubair Hungarghekar, a resident of Pune, on charges of propagating Al-Qaeda ideology and radicalizing youth. Investigations revealed that Zubair was disseminating terrorist ideologies through social media and attempting to mislead young people in the name of “jihad.”
According to ATS officials, digital content related to Al-Qaeda, manuals for handling weapons, and a translation of Osama bin Laden's speech were recovered from the accused. It is reported that Zubair held a good job in the IT sector, but his ideology changed after coming into contact with radical organizations online.
ATS is Conducting an In-Depth Investigation of the Network
Investigating agencies are now thoroughly scrutinizing Zubair's social media network. Preliminary investigations have revealed that he was trying to connect with youth through Telegram and other online groups. The ATS has sent his laptop, mobile, and hard drive for forensic examination.
Officials suspect that the accused might also have contacts with some suspicious individuals abroad. The investigation team is trying to ascertain if any funding channels or cyber networks are linked to this case.
Dawood's Close Aide Arrested in Goa
Meanwhile, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has arrested Danish Merchant alias Danish Chikna from Goa, who is reported to be a close associate of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. Danish is accused of drug trafficking between Mumbai and Goa and of having connections with foreign networks.
According to NCB sources, Danish had been absconding for a long time, and non-bailable warrants were issued against him in several cases. His arrest is expected to unravel many links of the drug network spread between Mumbai and Goa.
ATS and NCB Begin Joint Investigation
Following both arrests, security agencies are now trying to ascertain if there is any financial or logistical nexus between terrorist organizations and underworld gangs. Initial investigations indicate the possibility that proceeds from drug trafficking are being used to fund terrorist activities.
Maharashtra ATS and NCB have formed a joint team and commenced investigations. Officials state that more arrests are likely in the coming days. This operation has once again demonstrated that the country's security agencies maintain a strict stance against all forms of terrorism and crime.
