Rajasthan: ATS booked Jaipur woman Khadija over links with Pak-based Jaish-e-Mohammad

Acting on intelligence inputs, including information received from military intelligence, the ATS detained the accused after uncovering suspected links with Pakistan-based handlers through her digital communications and social media activity.

 

She has been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and was later remanded to ATS custody till June 27 as investigators probe the extent of her alleged involvement and possible connections with a wider terror network.

A senior ATS official said a preliminary forensic examination of the accused's mobile phone revealed the use of two SIM cards and a Facebook account allegedly containing objectionable content, including links to foreign-based profiles.

Investigators are examining several social media accounts that reportedly displayed content associated with extremist organisations, including Jaish-e-Mohammed, as well as images purportedly depicting armed militants.

Officials also stated that WhatsApp records recovered from the device indicated communication with multiple Pakistani phone numbers and other foreign contacts.

The ATS is analysing these numbers to determine whether they are linked to terror operatives or extremist networks. Investigators are simultaneously attempting to recover deleted digital data from the seized mobile phone using forensic techniques.

 

According to investigators, Babita came under the influence of Pakistan-based handlers through social media platforms. During questioning, she is reported to have stated that she embraced Islam earlier this year after interacting with a Pakistan-based religious cleric, following which she adopted the name "Khadija."

 

These claims are based on the ongoing investigation and have not been independently verified.

 

Investigators are also probing allegations that cross-border handlers were attempting to facilitate her travel to Pakistan through third countries. Media reports have suggested Nepal, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as possible transit routes, while some reports have also claimed that cryptocurrency-based funding may have been arranged for the proposed travel. However, these aspects remain under investigation and have not been officially confirmed by the ATS.

Officials said the investigation is focused on determining whether the accused acted independently or was part of a larger recruitment or sleeper-cell network. The ATS is examining her social media interactions, financial transactions and digital communications to identify possible associates and establish the extent of her alleged links with Pakistan-based handlers.

Speaking to the media, Rajasthan ATS Superintendent of Police Manish Tripathi said action was initiated after investigators found evidence suggesting links to banned organisations involved in anti-national activities. He added that although much of the digital data had been deleted, forensic experts were working to retrieve it. The officer also confirmed that the name of Jaish-e-Mohammed had emerged during the investigation.

Following her arrest, Babita Dhakad was produced before a court, which remanded her to ATS custody until June 27 for further interrogation. Officials said the investigation is continuing to ascertain the nature and extent of her alleged connections with Pakistani contacts and whether additional individuals were involved.

The ATS has emphasised that the investigation is at a preliminary stage, and many aspects, including the alleged sleeper-cell role, travel plans, foreign funding, and operational links are still being verified. The allegations will be subject to judicial scrutiny as the investigation progresses.