Al Qaeda Suspect Arrested in Pune; Radicalization Efforts Uncovered

In a significant counter-terrorism operation, the Maharashtra ATS has arrested a Pune-based software engineer, Zubair Hangargekar, on charges of allegedly supporting Al Qaeda and actively radicalizing youth. The arrest occurred on Monday in Pune’s Kondhwa area, following extensive surveillance. A court has granted police custody of Hangargekar until November 4. Officials revealed that the accused was reportedly involved in planning terror strikes across Maharashtra and other cities. Incriminating evidence, including materials for radicalizing youth, was recovered from his residence. This action is linked to a broader investigation into potential terror networks. Earlier, ATS had raided several locations in Pune on October 9, confiscating electronic devices and documents. The arrest of Hangargekar comes amid heightened concerns over online radicalization, highlighted by recent detentions of two individuals in Delhi and Bhopal linked to the Islamic State, indicating the group’s persistent and evolving online operational strategies.