Mon Nov 17 15:58:31 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewrite formatted as a news article:

Summary:

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has revealed that Zubair Hangargekar, a software engineer from Pune arrested in October, has confirmed links to al-Qaeda. Hangargekar is accused of creating and disseminating extremist content on Telegram groups, preaching against democracy and promoting the establishment of a Caliphate in India through Jihad, referred to as “Ghazwa-e-Hind.” He allegedly conducted secret sessions to radicalize youth, lecturing them on Jihad and Khilafat. The ATS seized extremist materials, including manuals on building IEDs, from his devices. He reportedly turned to extremism around 2015 after contacting terrorism-linked individuals.

News Article:

Pune Software Engineer Linked to al-Qaeda, Radicalizing Youth, Say Maharashtra ATS

Mumbai – November 17, 2025, 9:28 PM IST – The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) announced today that Zubair Hangargekar, a 37-year-old Pune-based software engineer arrested on October 27th, has established links to the terror group al-Qaeda. The ATS alleges Hangargekar was actively preaching against democracy to young individuals and creating extremist content promoting Jihad and “Ghazwa-e-Hind,” the violent takeover of the Indian subcontinent to establish a Caliphate.

According to the ATS, Hangargekar created Telegram groups to share radical materials advocating for the establishment of a Khilafat, replacing democracy with Shariat law, and dissolving national boundaries to create a “united global Ummah.”

“Secret Dars sessions were conducted in Pune, Solapur, and Thane to radicalise youth,” stated a senior ATS officer from Pune. “During these sessions, he lectured them on ‘ways to commit jihad’ and the path to bring Khilafat.”

Hangargekar, a graduate of Walchand Institute of Technology, Solapur, was arrested in Pune’s Kondhwa area during ATS raids last month. Law enforcement seized several al-Qaeda and AQIS magazines, along with manuals on constructing improvised explosive devices (IEDs), from his electronic devices.

The investigation revealed that Hangargekar, a software engineer with 15 years of experience, allegedly became radicalized around 2015 after contacting individuals linked to terrorism in Pune and Hyderabad. The seized materials reportedly glorify jihad and martyrdom.

Hangargekar has been remanded in judicial custody until November 28th as the investigation continues. The ATS is currently examining devices seized from 18 individuals during the initial raids to determine the extent of Hangargekar’s network and influence.

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