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Pune Engineer's Terror Links: Why His Phone Holds Key Evidence

A Pune court has extended Zubair Hangargekar's judicial custody until November 28 in a major terror investigation. The software engineer was originally arrested last month for alleged connections with Al Qaeda. Investigators found his old mobile contained international numbers from Pakistan and Gulf countries. The ATS needs more time to analyze the massive 1 TB of data recovered from his electronic devices.

Key Points: Zubair Hangargekar Judicial Custody in ATS Terror Probe

  • Zubair Hangargekar arrested for alleged Al Qaeda connections in Pune
  • ATS recovered old mobile with international numbers from Pakistan
  • Investigation involves analyzing 1 TB data from seized laptop
  • Suspected of involvement in radicalization activities across Maharashtra
2 min read

Pune court sends Zubair Hangargekar to judicial custody until Nov 28 in ATS terror links probe

Pune court sends software engineer Zubair Hangargekar to judicial custody until Nov 28 in ATS Al Qaeda terror links investigation involving international contacts.

"He could not recall anything about those numbers - Prosecution in Court"

Pune, November 15

A special court in Pune on Friday sent software engineer Zubair Hangargekar to judicial custody till November 28.

He was arrested by the Pune unit of Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) from the Kondhwa area of Pune City on 27 October for his alleged connections with the terror group Al Qaeda. He is also suspected of being involved in radicalisation activities, said an ATS official.

The ATS on Friday in Pune court sought his judicial custody while reserving its right to seek the remaining 11 days of police custody at a later stage. The court accepted the request and sent him to 14 days of judicial custody.

During the hearing of remand proceedings in court, ATS informed the court that searches conducted earlier this week at a location related to the accused had led to the recovery of an old mobile phone belonging to Hangargekar.

During the investigation, it was found that the seized mobile had some international numbers saved in the contact list, including one from Pakistan, as well as others from Gulf countries such as Saudi Arab and Oman.

However, the prosecution informed the court that during questioning, Hangargekar stated he could not recall anything about those numbers. Therefore, further time was needed to analyse the data recovered from the phone and one laptop, which has around 1 TB of data; thus, at this moment, judicial custody is required.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Hope the investigation is thorough and fair. 1TB of data and international numbers from Pakistan? Sounds serious, but let's not jump to conclusions until all evidence is examined properly.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in IT myself, this is alarming. We handle sensitive data and international clients regularly. Hope this is properly investigated and not just based on circumstantial evidence.
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Arjun K
The "can't recall anything" excuse doesn't sound convincing when it comes to Pakistani numbers. ATS should be given all the time they need to analyze that 1TB data. Jai Hind! 🙏
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Michael C
While national security is important, I hope due process is followed. Judicial custody until proper evidence is established seems reasonable. Let's trust our legal system to deliver justice.
K
Kavya N
As a Pune resident, this news is disturbing. Kondhwa area has many IT professionals and students. Hope ATS completes investigation quickly and ensures our city remains safe. 🏙️

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