Jaipur, June 22 (IANS) In a major counter-terrorism operation, the Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), acting on intelligence inputs from Military Intelligence (MI), has arrested a woman alleged to be associated with a sleeper cell linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

The accused, identified as Babita Dhakad, who reportedly used the alias “Khadija”, was apprehended in Jaipur.

According to preliminary findings, Babita had allegedly been in contact with Pakistani terrorist handlers through social media platforms and encrypted messaging applications.

Investigators believe the case highlights evolving methods of radicalisation and recruitment targeting women.

Babita Dhakad is a native of Rajasthan’s Sawai Madhopur district.

During the investigation, security agencies reportedly found that she had come into contact with online groups and profiles suspected of promoting extremist ideology and radicalising young people.

Investigators allege that Pakistani handlers subjected her to extensive online indoctrination through anti-India propaganda material and videos.

Authorities claim that, after becoming influenced by these networks, she adopted the name “Khadija” and allegedly became involved in activities connected to a Jaish-e-Mohammed sleeper cell.

Officials stated that forensic analysis of mobile phones and digital devices recovered from the accused revealed alleged links to networks associated with individuals involved in major terrorist incidents.

Investigators claim that numbers linked to the network of JeM commander Qari Zarar were found in the accused’s contacts and communication records.

Qari Zarar has been named in connection with the 2016 Nagrota Army camp attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

Authorities also reported finding links to individuals associated with Yusuf Azhar, also known as Gori, a relative of JeM founder Masood Azhar.

Yusuf Azhar has been accused of involvement in the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC-814.

According to security agencies, the investigation has uncovered what they describe as a recent strategy by Jaish-e-Mohammed involving the recruitment and radicalisation of women through online platforms.

Officials allege that the organisation has been operating a women’s wing known as “Jamaat-ul-Muminat”, aimed at identifying, influencing and recruiting women and young girls as sleeper-cell operatives.

Investigators claim that Babita had become an important link in this network and was allegedly preparing to flee to Pakistan using a route reportedly arranged by her handlers before security agencies intervened.

Joint teams of Military Intelligence and the Rajasthan ATS are currently questioning the accused at a secure location.

Investigators are attempting to determine whether any sensitive information was transmitted across the border during her alleged activities in Jaipur Rural, Sawai Madhopur and areas near military installations.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Police have launched an extensive investigation to identify possible local associates who may have provided logistical support, internet access, SIM cards or financial assistance.

Authorities suspect that additional individuals could be connected to the network, and ATS teams are conducting searches and raids at multiple locations across the state as part of the ongoing investigation.

–IANS

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