Pune IT Professional Arrested for Al-Qaeda Links, Possession of Osama Bin Laden Speech
A Pune-based IT professional was arrested by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on suspicion of having connections with the Al-Qaeda terrorist network. The suspect, Zubair Hungargekar, was found in possession of a translated Urdu copy of Osama bin Laden's speeches and other suspicious documents.
PuneAlqaedaIt ProfessionalArrestTerrorist NetworkReal Estate PuneOct 29, 2025
Apart from that, the officials found other suspicious documents relating to the upgradation of explosives. “Authorities have found a translated Urdu copy of a speech by the notorious terrorist Osama bin Laden in Hungargekar’s possession. In addition, digital materials believed to have been sourced from Al-Qaeda’s Inspire magazine, containing details on the handling of AK-47 rifles and the fabrication of improvised explosive devices, were recovered during the search,” said police sources.
After the investigation, officials are looking into the youngsters the Pune techie interacted with. They are examining whether Hungargekar influenced anyone to join extremist groups. With all the sensitive materials and documents found in Hangargekar’s possession, the authorities suspect that he was involved in anti-national activities and was reportedly planning an attack in Maharashtra and other cities.
The sources added that the accused is a well-educated individual, originally belonging to Solapur. He specialised in software testing and database development. He had been working at a software IT company in Kalyani Nagar, earning a good salary, before he was arrested. He came under the radar of the ATS a few days back during several large-scale raids across 25-26 locations in the Kondhwa area as part of a terror funding case.
Sources revealed that after a detailed examination of the materials recovered during the raids, several indications emerged suggesting Hungargekar’s potentially suspicious role in the activities under investigation. The digital evidence, along with the documents seized, is currently undergoing thorough scrutiny by officials to determine whether there are other individuals linked to the same network. Investigators are carefully analysing the contents to trace any connections, communications, or plans that may implicate additional people, aiming to uncover the full extent of the network and its operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in Pune for Al-Qaeda links?
Zubair Hungargekar, a Pune-based IT professional, was arrested on suspicion of having connections with the Al-Qaeda terrorist network.
What materials were found in Hungargekar’s possession?
Authorities found a translated Urdu copy of Osama bin Laden's speeches and digital materials from Al-Qaeda’s Inspire magazine, containing details on handling AK-47 rifles and fabricating improvised explosive devices.
What is the ATS investigating in relation to Hungargekar?
The ATS is investigating whether Hungargekar influenced anyone to join extremist groups and is examining his interactions with other youngsters. They are also looking into any potential plans for attacks in Maharashtra and other cities.
What is Hungargekar’s background?
Hungargekar is a well-educated individual from Solapur, specialized in software testing and database development. He was working at a software IT company in Kalyani Nagar, Pune, before his arrest.
What are the next steps in the investigation?
Investigators are carefully analysing the digital evidence and documents seized to trace any connections, communications, or plans that may implicate additional people and uncover the full extent of the network and its operations.
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