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Relevance: GS-III Internal Security & Terrorism; GS-II Statutory Bodies Source: Gujarat ATS operation, July 2026

Gujarat ATS Busts a Suspected Terror Network

1 · What exactly happened?

In a major operation, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested eight individuals across Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. They are suspected of having links with the banned Pakistan-based terror group, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Alarmingly, two of those arrested are just teenagers (aged 18 and 19).
The police claim this group was trying to secretly build a local support network for the terror group. What makes this case unique is the law being used. For the first time, suspects have been booked under the new general criminal law—the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)—along with the strict anti-terror law, the UAPA.

2 · A change in how terror works

The ‘Sleeper Cell’ Strategy: Instead of sending armed attackers across the border, foreign terror groups are changing tactics. They now secretly recruit and brainwash local youth online to create “sleeper modules.” These local groups quietly arrange money, hideouts, and weapons for future attacks, blending into normal society until they receive orders.
The Success
Caught in the setup phase
The police caught the group while they were still gathering resources, long before they could carry out any actual attack. Early detection saves lives.
The Alleged Evidence
Books, cars, and cash
The ATS claims to have found over 250 pieces of extremist literature used for brainwashing. The group allegedly raised ₹3 lakh to rent a safe house and buy an old car for their activities.
The New Law
BNS meets UAPA
Section 113 of the new BNS officially defines a “terrorist act” in everyday criminal law. This is being used alongside the UAPA, which bans the terror outfits themselves.
The Teamwork
Connecting the dots
Busting networks spread across states requires deep intelligence sharing between state police (like Gujarat and MP ATS) and central agencies.
  • Why BNS Section 113 matters: Previously, terrorism was only dealt with under special laws like UAPA. Now, the new general law (BNS) specifically punishes terror acts, funding, or damaging public property, with penalties up to life in prison or death.
  • Who decides the law? Because both the BNS and UAPA cover terrorism, a senior police officer (at least a Superintendent of Police) must decide which law applies based on the case details.
  • How is a group banned? Under the UAPA, the Central Government has the power to issue a notice declaring an organisation as a “terrorist organisation.” Once banned, even just being a member or giving them money becomes a serious crime.
  • A reminder on justice: Currently, these are just allegations made by the police. In law, the arrested individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court trial.
UPSC Prelims Quick Facts
ATS Anti-Terrorism Squad. A special unit of the state police dedicated to stopping terror activities.
JeM Jaish-e-Mohammed. A notorious terror group based in Pakistan, officially banned in India.
BNS Section 113 A new section in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, that defines and punishes a “terrorist act” under regular criminal law.
BNS, 2023 The new criminal code that officially replaced the British-era Indian Penal Code (IPC).
UAPA, 1967 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. India’s primary and strictest anti-terror law.
Sleeper Module A hidden group of recruits who live normal lives while secretly preparing for a future attack.
NIA National Investigation Agency. India’s central agency that investigates terrorism at a national level.
MCQ Practice Question
Q. With reference to India’s anti-terror legal framework, consider the following statements:

  1. Section 113 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 defines a “terrorist act” in India’s general criminal law for the first time.
  2. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 replaced the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
  3. Under the UAPA, only Parliament, through a fresh law each time, can declare an organisation a terrorist organisation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only    (b) 2 and 3 only    (c) 1 and 3 only    (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

  • Statement 1 — Correct: For the first time, a “terrorist act” is defined in our regular criminal code (BNS Section 113).
  • Statement 2 — Correct: The BNS, 2023 successfully replaced the old IPC of 1860.
  • Statement 3 — Incorrect: Beware the trap! The Central Government has the power to simply issue a “notification” to ban a terror group under the UAPA. They do not need to pass a new law in Parliament every single time.
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