A 38-year-old woman from Jaipur has been arrested by the Rajasthan Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) over alleged links with the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Investigators claim she was planning to travel to Pakistan through Nepal to marry a man suspected to be associated with the outfit.
The woman, identified as Babita Dhakad alias Khadija, was arrested on Sunday and booked under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). She remains in police custody till June 27, per a report by Hindustan Times.
Online contacts under investigation
According to investigators cited by HT, forensic examination of her electronic devices revealed contacts with several Pakistani nationals, including numbers allegedly linked to individuals associated with JeM.
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Officials said she had been under surveillance for several weeks before her arrest.
Investigators told PTI, “She had been communicating with multiple Pakistan-based individuals through Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp”.
"Chats, videos and contact details allegedly linked to members of the banned outfit were recovered from her devices. She confessed to have shared one-time passwords (OTPs) connected to Indian mobile numbers with a JeM operative, enabling the use of those numbers on social media and communication platforms there," the news agency's sources said.
Alleged relationship and marriage plans
During questioning, investigators said Babita told police that she developed an interest in Pakistani militants after the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.
“She claimed that she developed emotional ties with Abu Ubaidah and became interested in the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed due to her admiration for the mujahideen,” investigators told PTI.
Officials alleged that the two discussed marriage and possible travel routes to Pakistan through Nepal, Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates.
"She said that Abu Ubaidah wanted to marry her and encouraged her to learn and practise Islamic teachings, including offering prayers and reading the Quran. She was invited to Pakistan to work for Jaish-e-Mohammed. As part of the process, she was asked to obtain a passport," the FIR states.
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Investigators also said they are examining digital evidence, including cryptocurrency-related applications and online searches recovered from her devices. A detailed forensic analysis of her mobile phone is still underway.
FAQs:
Who is Babita Dhakad?
Babita Dhakad is a Jaipur woman arrested by the Rajasthan ATS over alleged links with Pakistan-based operatives.
What are the allegations against her?
Investigators allege she maintained online contacts with individuals linked to JeM and discussed travelling to Pakistan.
