Letters recovered from terror suspects show bid to join JeM: ATS

Ahmedabad: Eight letters allegedly addressed to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar and recovered during raids on eight arrested terror suspects have revealed how some of the accused sought to join the banned outfit, praised its leadership and sought religious guidance on participating in jihad, according to the Gujarat ATS.In a statement issued on Friday, ATS said the letters were among the incriminating material seized during coordinated searches in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh as part of its investigation into the alleged JeM module. The letters, typed in Urdu, were examined to establish alleged recruitment efforts of the accused, overseas links and operational plans.Apart from the correspondence, investigators recovered two books authored by Masood Azhar and printed in Pakistan, 254 digital files containing alleged jihadi literature, speeches, audio recordings, videos and photographs, as well as Gujarati translations of JeM literature allegedly prepared by Ibrahim Ghagha and Zakariya Ghangha.According to the ATS, the accused had formed an organisation called Darul Islam Gujarat Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and were working to expand the outfit’s network in Gujarat by recruiting new members and propagating its ideology.The agency alleged that the group was in contact with Pakistani handlers identified as Abdullah and

Mohammad Umar

. The ATS also claimed the accused received around Rs 3 lakh to further the alleged conspiracy, part of which was used to buy a second-hand car.

The letters allegedly contain repeated admiration for Masood Azhar, references to his speeches and writings, requests to be accepted into the organisation and questions on religious issues related to joining jihad, including whether parental permission was necessary before participating in or preparing for such activities.Box 2: Accused heaps praises for JeM chiefOne of the letters, allegedly written by Mohammad Palanpuri, introduces the writer as an Arabic student from Palanpur and describes Azhar as a scholar, author and leader whose speeches and writings on jihad had inspired him since 2011.

The letter claims the writer had received a message that JeM chief wanted him to reach him but says he could not travel because of his madrassa studies. It seeks prayers for success, requests an opportunity to serve under Azhar’s command and asks whether joining jihad without parental permission was religiously permissible.Box 2: Writer seeks prayers to attain 'martyrdom’Another letter, allegedly written by Zakariya Ghangha, similarly praises Azhar and states that the writer was influenced by his speeches, books and life story.

It expresses a desire to dedicate his life to Islam and seeks prayers to attain “martyrdom" in "Ghazwa-e-Hind". The letter apologises for being unable to travel because of studies, expresses hope of meeting Azhar in the future. Like the earlier letter, the writer asks whether parental permission was required to participate in jihad or even undertake preparatory activities.

The ATS said the letters formed an important part of the evidence and were being examined. Investigators continued to probe the alleged terror conspiracy, including the suspects’ recruitment activities, foreign connections and operational intentions.