By | Sachin Dhumal
Pune: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 30-year-old software engineer, Zubair Hangargekar, from Pune’s Kondhwa area for alleged links with banned terror organizations, including Al-Qaeda, and for reportedly attempting to radicalize youth online.
History Of Connection
According to ATS sources, Hangargekar had been under surveillance since early October following extensive raids at 19 locations across Pune—including Kondhwa, Khadak, Wanavdi, Khadki, and Bhosari. During these raids, officials recovered electronic devices, documents, and other incriminating materials.
Hangargekar has been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and was produced before a Special UAPA Court in Pune, which remanded him to police custody till November 4, 2025.
Linked to Ongoing ISIS Module Probe
Investigators say this arrest is connected to an ongoing probe into an ISIS-linked Al Sufa terror network, first unearthed in July 2023. The case began when Pune Police arrested Mohammed Shahnawaz Alam, Mohammed Yusuf Khan, and Mohammed Yunus Yakub Saki for alleged connections to the group.
Hangargekar’s detention follows the recent arrests of Md Adnan Khan (Delhi) and Adnan Khan (Bhopal), further indicating a pattern of online radicalization spreading across multiple states.
What Investigators Found
The ATS reportedly seized digital evidence, including encrypted communication and videos hinting at potential terror attack plans targeting Mumbai, Pune, and other major Indian cities.
Preliminary findings suggest Hangargekar may have been in contact with handlers based in Syria, pointing to a larger international network under investigation.
Official Statement
A senior ATS official said,T he ATS Maharashtra had conducted searches at multiple premises on October 9 in a terror-related case in Pune. Based on the incriminating material recovered, an FIR has been registered under the UAPA. Further investigation is in progress.
