A 38-year-old Jaipur woman has been arrested by the Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad after investigators alleged that she had established online contact with operatives linked to the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed group. Babita Dhakad, who lived a seemingly ordinary life on the outskirts of the city, was arrested on June 22 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The case has left investigators examining how she allegedly moved from online curiosity to sustained conversations with people connected to the banned organisation.
Dhakad lived in a recently developed residential colony off Tonk Road in Jaipur, where neighbours described her as a quiet woman who was rarely seen outside her home. Residents said there was nothing unusual about her behaviour that could have raised suspicion. However, investigators claim she maintained a secret online life that remained unknown even to people closest to her, including members of her own family.
According to investigators, Dhakad allegedly held late-night online conversations that eventually became central to the investigation into her suspected links with the banned group. Her family was reportedly unaware of these interactions or the extent of her online activities. Authorities are now examining the nature of the conversations, the people she was allegedly in contact with and how long the communication had continued before her arrest.
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Investigators believe Dhakad initially became curious about extremist ideology and later developed what they described as an emotional connection with it. Officials examining the case have claimed that her alleged disillusionment with society may have contributed to this progression. The investigation is focusing not only on her suspected contacts but also on the circumstances that allegedly led an ordinary resident of Jaipur into such online circles.
The case has drawn attention because of the contrast between Dhakad's public life and the activities she is alleged to have carried out online. People living near her said they had little knowledge of her personal activities, while her family was reportedly unaware of the conversations now being investigated. Authorities are trying to determine whether the alleged communication remained limited to online interactions or involved any further activity.
The Rajasthan ATS arrested Dhakad under the UAPA on June 22, and the investigation into her alleged connections is continuing. Officials are examining digital evidence and other information linked to the case to establish the full nature of her contacts. The arrest has highlighted concerns over hidden online radicalisation and the difficulties families and communities can face in detecting such activity when it takes place privately on digital platforms.
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