Hinjewadi Techie Arrested by ATS: A Simple Look at the Case and Investigation

A major case has created concern in Pune’s IT community, especially in Hinjewadi, after the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested a software engineer on serious extremist-related charges. The man, Zubair Hangargekar, had worked in well-known IT companies for more than 15 years. His arrest has shocked many professionals, as Hinjewadi is known mainly for IT work, start-ups, and busy corporate life, not for such incidents.

This summary explains the full case in simple words and presents the facts like a clear news report.

Who Is the Accused?

Zubair Hangargekar, aged 37, is originally from Solapur. He studied at Solapur Social Association Urdu High School and completed his BE from Walchand Institute of Technology. After finishing his studies, he moved to Pune for IT jobs.

For many years, he worked in major companies. He had worked at Cognizant in Hinjewadi, and later at Cybage Software in Kalyani Nagar. He was working in hybrid mode before his arrest. His long IT experience made the news even more surprising for those who knew him.

Why the ATS Arrested Him

The ATS arrested Hangargekar from the Kondhwa area in Pune on October 27. Officials said he was under watch for several months. The reason behind the arrest was the suspicion that he was connected to Al-Qaeda and AQIS (Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent).

Officials said he had been sharing and promoting extremist ideas and was trying to influence young people with those views. They also found material on his devices that supported their suspicion.

Main Points From the ATS

Here is a quick table summarising the important details from the investigation:

Detail	Information Found
IT career	15+ years, worked in Hinjewadi and Kalyani Nagar
Digital content	Files related to IEDs, guerrilla warfare, extremist magazines
Online groups	Active in international Telegram groups linked to radical content
Influencing youth	Held private sessions and shared extremist ideas
Personal beliefs	Promoted rigid Sharia practices; rejected democracy
Radicalisation	Believed to have started around 2015

How Radicalisation Started

ATS officers said that Hangargekar’s shift toward radical ideas began around 2015. He came in contact with people involved in extremist networks in Pune and Hyderabad. After that, he reportedly started reading material from extremist preachers and joined online groups where such content was shared.

Investigators also said he slowly collected a large amount of radical books, magazines, and files. Some of these files taught how to make IEDs, how to plan lone attacks, and how to carry out guerrilla-style operations. Officers said he also followed speeches and writings from extremist preachers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Middle East.

What ATS Found in His Devices

During the search, the ATS seized his laptop, mobile phone, and storage devices. A forensic team checked the data and found:

• Multiple Al-Qaeda and AQIS magazines
• Instructions for making IEDs
• Books on guerrilla operations
• Content praising past attacks
• Radical religious literature
• Online chat discussions about creating Sharia rule

Officials said the amount of data was very large and required expert analysis. Many files were detailed and clearly meant for extremist use.

His Activities in Hinjewadi and Pune

Even while working in the IT sector in Hinjewadi, he was active on several international Telegram groups. These groups shared extremist content and discussed topics like:

• Ghazwa-e-Hind
• Khilafat
• Sharia rule
• Rejection of democracy
• Creation of a global Ummah

ATS officers also found that he created some groups on his own to influence young people. He held private Dars sessions in Pune, Solapur, and Thane. During these sessions, he reportedly spoke about “ways to commit jihad” and tried to convince the youth that Sharia rule was the only correct system.

Impact on IT Companies in Hinjewadi

Once the news spread, many employees in Hinjewadi IT Park were shocked. People said that he behaved like a normal employee, and no one expected such behaviour from him. Some companies have started quietly checking their internal security rules, but there is no panic among workers.

Hinjewadi still continues to function normally. Offices, buses, and tech parks are running as usual. Employees say they are staying alert but not worried about safety inside the IT zone.

What the Court Decided

After his arrest, he was presented in a special court. On November 14, the court sent him to judicial custody till November 28. The ATS told the court that they needed more time to study the digital evidence, as the files were large and complex.

The investigation is now focused on:

• People who were in touch with him
• Whether he was guided by someone
• If he helped in recruiting anyone
• How far his influence had spread

Why This Case Is Important for Hinjewadi

Hinjewadi is one of India’s largest IT hubs, with thousands of employees from different states. It is a place known for corporate work, not for such cases. This incident shows how online radicalisation can reach anyone, even someone working in a top company and living in a well-developed area.

However, this case should not create fear. It only highlights the need for awareness. Authorities acted in time, which shows that the security system is active and alert.

Warning Signs People Should Notice

Here is a simple table showing behaviour that may need attention:

Warning Sign	Meaning
Following extremist groups online	Possible exposure to dangerous ideas
Private secret sessions	Risk of ideological influence
Strong anti-democratic comments	Early sign of radical thinking
Collecting violent content	Needs reporting
Praising extremist attacks	Very serious and dangerous

Not every unusual behaviour is harmful, but awareness helps.

Hinjewadi Still Remains a Safe IT Hub

Even after this case, daily life in Hinjewadi continues normally. The area remains safe for workers, and companies continue their operations without any disturbance. This incident is rare and does not define the overall environment of Hinjewadi.

Most professionals in Hinjewadi focus on their work, travel, and daily routine. This case only serves as a reminder that digital safety is important.

FAQs

1. Is Hinjewadi unsafe after this incident?

No. Hinjewadi remains safe. This case is an isolated incident, and the ATS acted quickly.

2. Did the accused really work in big IT companies?

Yes. He worked in well-known companies in Hinjewadi and Kalyani Nagar.

3. What did ATS find in his laptop and phone?

They found extremist literature, IED manuals, and radical content.

4. Was he influencing youth?

ATS says he held private sessions to spread extremist views.

5. Is this kind of case common in Pune IT parks?

No. This is a rare case and not common in IT areas like Hinjewadi.

The arrest of a Hinjewadi techie for extremist links has shocked many people in Pune’s IT community. The case shows how radicalisation can happen quietly through online sources, even when a person appears to live a normal professional life. The ATS is continuing its investigation to understand the full extent of his activities.

Hinjewadi still remains one of the busiest and safest IT hubs in the country. The purpose of this report is to share facts clearly and help people stay aware.

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