Al-Qaeda India Module Busted: In a significant breakthrough amid heightened security operations, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has dismantled a major Al-Qaeda module operating within India. The agency has arrested 30-year-old Shama Parveen from Bengaluru, who is believed to be a key operative and mastermind for the Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) network.
This high-profile arrest comes at a time when security forces across the country are on high alert under Operation Sindoor, an aggressive campaign to eliminate terrorism from Indian soil.
Who is Shama Parveen?
Shama Parveen, originally a resident of Jharkhand, had been residing in Bengaluru and quietly working as a digital propagandist for Al-Qaeda. According to DIG Sunil Joshi of Gujarat ATS, Parveen was playing a central role in radicalizing youth and coordinating with other members of AQIS through encrypted platforms and social media.
How Was Shama Parveen Caught?
Last week, Gujarat ATS had arrested four suspected terrorists affiliated with AQIS from different parts of the country. These arrests took place between July 21 and 22, from cities including Ahmedabad, Modasa, Noida, and Delhi.
The four arrested individuals—Fardeen Sheikh (Ahmedabad), Saifullah Qureshi (Modasa), Jasin Ali (Noida), and Mohammad Faiq (Delhi’s Chandni Chowk)—were found in possession of radical material and digital tools used to spread Jihadi ideology. During their interrogation, they revealed key details about Shama Parveen’s involvement, leading the authorities directly to her hideout in Bengaluru.
Her Role in the Al-Qaeda Network
Upon interrogation, Shama Parveen admitted to spreading extremist content online to incite hatred and violence. She confessed to running multiple fake accounts on Instagram and other platforms to circulate Jihadi material, provocative speeches, and violent threats targeting non-believers.
Police recovered significant digital evidence including communication with foreign handlers and data pointing toward a direct connection with Pakistan-based operatives. These online channels were used to both recruit new followers and propagate Al-Qaeda’s extremist ideology.
What Was Found During Investigation?
The Gujarat ATS, along with cyber experts, found that the module had been active in sharing Jihadi content from at least five Instagram accounts, most of which had links leading back to handlers in Pakistan. The accused terrorists were reportedly taking instructions and ideological guidance from these foreign-based accounts.
Moreover, the digital forensics team is currently analyzing hard drives, mobile devices, and cloud storage accounts recovered from all five arrested suspects to trace the larger network and funding sources.
Connection to Operation Sindoor
The bust aligns with India’s ongoing anti-terror operation – Operation Sindoor, which aims to eliminate sleeper cells and foreign-funded terror modules operating from within the country. The coordinated effort involves central intelligence, state-level ATS teams, and cyber surveillance squads working round the clock.
Nationwide Alert and Response
Following this development, security agencies across India have been put on high alert. More arrests and surveillance operations are expected in the coming days as the investigation progresses. Officials also believe this module is just one of many active groups attempting to infiltrate India’s digital and physical security spaces.
Final Words
The arrest of Shama Parveen highlights a dangerous evolution in terrorism—where radicalization happens not just in remote camps but within urban digital ecosystems. The swift action by Gujarat ATS in tracking and apprehending her reflects India’s growing cyber-intelligence capabilities and commitment to national security.
As the threat of cyber Jihad rises, this case serves as a critical reminder of the need for public vigilance and stronger counter-terror mechanisms. The Gujarat ATS continues its probe into the Al-Qaeda network, ensuring that no stone is left unturned in dismantling terror from within.