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According to the ATS, the arrest followed an investigation into her suspected links with operatives of the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation.
Image of the accused Babita Dhakad, also known as Khadija. (Source: X)
In a major security operation, the Rajasthan Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Monday arrested a Jaipur-based woman for her alleged involvement in anti-national activities and suspected links with members of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed.
The accused, identified as Babita Dhakad, also known as Khadija, is originally from Gangapur City and was taken into custody after intelligence inputs indicated her alleged association with anti-national elements, a senior ATS official told PTI.
According to the ATS, the arrest followed an investigation into her suspected links with operatives of the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation. The woman was arrested under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Rajasthan ATS Superintendent of Police (SP) Manish Tripathi said that the woman is in police custody on a 7-day remand.
“During surveillance and subsequent investigation, we detained the woman after receiving inputs regarding her suspected involvement in activities that could pose a threat to national security,” he said.
High-Profile Jaish Links
A key development in the investigation is the emergence of alleged links to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation. SP Tripathi confirmed that the group’s name has surfaced during the probe.
“We have come across information indicating that one individual in contact with the woman may be linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). At this stage, we are examining whether the woman herself has any association with the same group. No conclusions can be drawn until the investigation is completed,” he said.
According to SP Tripathi, the investigation was launched after officials gathered evidence indicating the accused’s alleged links with banned organisations involved in activities considered a threat to India’s security and sovereignty. Preliminary findings, he said, pointed to specific actions by the accused that prompted the ATS to initiate immediate legal proceedings.
“We have recovered information related to certain phone numbers that appear to have direct links with Pakistan. The communication was conducted through WhatsApp and other sources. The matter is under detailed investigation,” said Tripathi.
Pakistani Contacts On Facebook, WhatsApp
According to investigators, a preliminary forensic examination of the accused’s mobile phone revealed that she was using two SIM cards and operated a Facebook account allegedly containing objectionable material and connections to foreign-based profiles.
Officials said several accounts on her friends list featured content, symbols and flags associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and other extremist groups, along with images purportedly depicting armed militants.
The probe also found that her WhatsApp account had conversations with multiple Pakistani phone numbers and other foreign contacts. Sources claimed that some of the Pakistani numbers found in her contact list are suspected to be linked to terror operatives.
Religious Conversion By Pakistani Cleric
During questioning, the woman allegedly told investigators that she had converted to Islam through a Pakistan-based mufti over a phone call. Sources further claimed that her alleged handlers were planning to facilitate her travel to Pakistan.
Investigators said one of the key challenges in the case is recovering the accused’s deleted digital evidence. According to SP Tripathi, Babita had attempted to wipe much of her digital footprint before her arrest.
“She has largely erased her digital data, but we will attempt to recover it,” Tripathi said.
He added that forensic experts are working to retrieve the deleted data, which could help investigators identify her alleged network, communications and the extent of her involvement.
The Rajasthan ATS is now focused on reconstructing her digital footprint and identifying her suspected handlers or associates as part of its ongoing investigation into her alleged links with the banned outfit.
With inputs from ANI, PTI
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