Who Is Shama Parveen? Gujarat ATS Arrests Jharkhand Woman from Bengaluru Over Al-Qaeda Links

Gujarat ATS Nabs Key Al-Qaeda Handler from Bengaluru

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested 30-year-old Shama Parveen, a woman originally from Jharkhand, from a rented flat in Manorayanapalya, Hebbal area of Bengaluru. Officials described her as a key handler and active online operative for a module linked to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).

Digital Trail Leads to Arrest

Parveen had been living in Bengaluru for the past three years with her younger brother. Investigators had kept her under surveillance for several weeks after tracking her digital activities across multiple platforms. She allegedly downloaded extremist speeches, shared radical content on Instagram, and followed known AQIS operatives.

Officials believe she attempted to radicalise others through social media and acted as a bridge between radicalised individuals and handlers across borders. Her social media footprint showed repeated engagement with extremists previously arrested in terror cases in other states.

Shama Parveen – Pakistani Contact and Radical Material Found

After seizing her mobile phone and other electronic devices, investigators recovered evidence of links to Pakistani contacts. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi confirmed her involvement, stating she had been “highly radicalised” and was operating as part of a digital terror module supporting AQIS propaganda.

Sources said she maintained encrypted communication with multiple operatives and possibly helped distribute materials aimed at recruitment and coordination. Authorities also suspect her of playing a logistical role in managing sleeper-cell activity remotely.

Also Read UPI Platforms Will Soon Send Property Tax Reminders via Alerts

Court Transit and Future Investigation

The Gujarat ATS produced Parveen before a local court in Bengaluru. Then secured a transit warrant, and moved her to Gujarat for further interrogation. Her questioning is expected to uncover additional details. More about digital radical networks and operational links between local modules and foreign handlers. This arrest follows the detention of four other AQIS-linked suspects in recent weeks. Pointing to a larger conspiracy aimed at destabilising India through digital radicalisation and covert operations.