Four Al-Qaeda Terrorists Arrested in Gujarat Using Auto-Delete Apps to Evade Detection

In a major crackdown on terror activities, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested four suspected Al-Qaeda operatives involved in both spreading extremist ideology and running a fake currency racket. The accused—Mohd Faiq, Mohd Fardeen, Sefullah Kureshi, and Zeeshan Ali—were tracked through their digital communications and one was apprehended from another state, authorities said.

The ATS revealed that the suspects had been associated with Al-Qaeda for a considerable period and used social media platforms to propagate the terror group’s ideologies. Alarmingly, they utilized encrypted messaging apps with auto-delete features to erase their digital footprints, making surveillance extremely difficult.

The group came under ATS scrutiny after intelligence picked up discussions related to terror activities targeting Gujarat. Investigators are currently examining their online chats, social media activities, and financial trails to uncover the extent of the network.

Officials believe the arrested men were working to expand Al-Qaeda’s influence in India through ideological indoctrination and financial operations. Sources say the ATS is probing potential links to foreign handlers.

Al-Qaeda, founded by Osama bin Laden and his mentor Sheikh Abdullah Azzam, has a long history of orchestrating global terror attacks. The group and its affiliates have carried out operations across continents, including Asia, Africa, and the West. The resurgence of sleeper cells and digital radicalization remains a major concern for security agencies.

The arrests have once again highlighted the evolving nature of terrorism—where encrypted apps and social media play a central role. Authorities have assured that the suspects are being rigorously interrogated and that further arrests or discoveries may follow.