Pakistan-linked sleeper cell network busted in Rajasthan after ATS alert, one held over digital trail

A suspected Pakistan-linked sleeper cell network allegedly operating through digital communication channels has been uncovered by Rajasthan police in Hanumangarh, leading to the arrest of a 20-year-old local youth, officials said on Sunday.

The investigation began after the Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) shared inputs regarding the accused’s alleged online activities, according to Superintendent of Police Narendra Singh Meena.

Advertisement

“We received information via the ATS that he had shared videos and location details regarding Hanumangarh Town and Raisinghnagar with Bhatti. A joint team comprising the CO, Hanumangarh Town police, the DST, and the cyber team apprehended him,” SP Meena said.

Probe expands into alleged handler links

Officials said further interrogation revealed sustained contact between the accused and an alleged handler, with chats reportedly involving information related to weapons.

“Detailed interrogation revealed that he had been in contact with Bhatti since February 2026, exchanging information, specifically regarding weapons, through chats. We have arrested him and will produce him in court to seek police custody for further interrogation to determine if there was a conspiracy to carry out an attack,” officials said.

The accused has been arrested and police are seeking custody for further questioning to determine whether there was any larger conspiracy linked to the alleged network.

Separate ATS action under UAPA

In another case, the Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested a woman identified as Babita on June 22 on charges related to alleged anti-national activities. The arrest was made under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Manish Tripathi, Superintendent of Police (SP), Rajasthan ATS, said the suspect was taken into custody following inputs regarding activities that could pose a threat to national security.

“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.

JeM link under investigation

The investigation also brought focus on alleged extremist connections, with SP Tripathi confirming that the name of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a Pakistan-based terrorist group designated as a terrorist organisation by India and several other nations, had surfaced.

“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,” said Manish Tripathi.