Archive · 26 Dec 2025
Pune Techie Linked to Al-Qaeda Under ATS Probe
A man named Zubair Hangargekar, who works in IT, was arrested in Pune for suspected links with the Al-Qaeda terror group.
The police are looking into his Telegram group, which had members from Afghanistan and Hong Kong.
They are also checking out a gathering and a sports camp he attended.
The police found lots of suspicious information on his phone and laptop, including videos and magazines about terrorism.
He is being kept in police custody for more investigation.
The police say he was trying to change people's minds and make them more religious, and even talked about making bombs.
Zubair didn't say much when asked about these things.
Zubair Hangargekar, a 37-year-old IT professional, was arrested for alleged Al-Qaeda links and radicalization activities.
ATS is investigating Telegram IDs from Afghanistan and Hong Kong found in his group.
Hangargekar's involvement in an 'Ijtema' and a sports camp in Padgha is under scrutiny.
Over 1 TB of data, including Al-Qaeda magazines and bomb-making information, was recovered from his devices.
Hangargekar is accused of radicalizing youth and discussing topics like 'Ghazwa-e-Hind' and replacing democracy with Shariat.
- Who
- Zubair Hangargekar, a 37-year-old IT professional from Pune
- What
- ATS is investigating his alleged links with Al-Qaeda and suspected involvement in radicalization activities
- When
- Arrested on October 27, custody extended till January 3
- Where
- Pune, Maharashtra, with connections to Padgha in Thane district
- Why
- Suspected involvement in terror activities and radicalization
ATS
Zubair Hangargekar
Radicalization Activities
ATS
ATS claims Hangargekar and associates radicalized Muslim youths through religious instruction and congregations, aiming to establish a Khilafat state and implement Sharia law.
Zubair Hangargekar
No direct statement from Hangargekar contradicting these claims is provided in the articles.
International Links
ATS
ATS found international contacts and Telegram IDs linked to Afghanistan and Hong Kong, suggesting potential foreign connections.
Zubair Hangargekar
Hangargekar did not provide information about these contacts when questioned by the ATS.
- Suspect
- Zubair Hangargekar
- Age
- 37
- Occupation
- IT Professional
- Location
- Pune, Maharashtra
- Arrest Date
- October 27
- Act
- Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA)
- Investigation Focus
- Telegram IDs, Ijtema, Sports Camp, YouTube History
- Data Recovered
- Over 1 TB from electronic devices
- Custody Extension
- Till January 3
- International Contacts
- Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman
Sources
Pune techie ‘Al-Qaeda link’ case: ATS probing Telegram IDs from Afghanistan, Hong Kong; congregation and ‘sports camp’ also under scanner
ATS once again takes custody of Pune software engineer held for ‘terror’ links
