Pune software engineer held for alleged Al-Qaeda links, Bin Laden materials seized

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A software engineer from Pune has been remanded in police custody after his arrest by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) for alleged connections to the proscribed terror group Al-Qaeda.

The arrest, which took place earlier this week, has uncovered disturbing details, including the suspect's alleged adherence to Osama Bin Laden's ideology, NDTV reported.

Zuber Hungargekar was arrested from the Kondhwa area under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The Special UAPA Court has granted police custody until November 4.

Sources cited by NDTV revealed that an Urdu translation of a speech by Al-Qaeda founder Osama Bin Laden was recovered from Hungargekar's possession. Further compounding the allegations, investigators have reportedly seized photographs of the suspect using an AK-47 rifle and constructing bombs.

The Maharashtra ATS informed the court that Hungargekar was allegedly involved in anti-national activities and was planning terror strikes in Maharashtra and other cities. The investigation is now focused on ascertaining his potential role in radicalising other young individuals.

Hungargekar, who is originally from Solapur, was described as well-educated, with a specialisation in software testing and database development. Prior to his arrest, he was employed at a software company in Kalyani Nagar and was earning a substantial salary.

The arrest followed large-scale raids conducted by the ATS across 25-26 locations in the Kondhwa area just days ago, which were part of a separate terror funding investigation. The evidence gathered during those operations reportedly provided several clues pointing to Hungargekar's suspicious activities, leading to his detention.

The suspect had reportedly been under ATS surveillance since last month. A thorough examination of the recovered digital evidence and documents is now underway to determine if other individuals are connected to this alleged network.