The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested 30-year-old Shama Parveen from Bengaluru, Karnataka, for allegedly running a terror module linked to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).
Officials said Parveen was the key figure coordinating the module's operations from Karnataka. Her arrest came after four other suspects — Mohd Fardeen, Sefullah Kureshi, Zeeshan Ali, and Mohd Faiq (aged between 20 and 25) were detained on July 23 from Gujarat, Delhi, and Noida.
According to investigators, the group was in contact through a social media app and had allegedly been given high-profile targets across India. Authorities also revealed the module had links with handlers outside India and was planning coordinated attacks at major locations.
A recent United Nations Security Council report has warned that Al-Qaeda is actively trying to expand its network in the Indian subcontinent. The report from the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee noted that AQIS, led by Osama Mehmood, is focusing on increasing operations in Jammu and Kashmir, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
The arrest of Shama Parveen highlights how terror groups like Al-Qaeda continue to attempt to strengthen their networks in the region. Security agencies are now intensifying efforts to track down remaining members and prevent possible attacks across India.
