Pune, 5th November 2025: Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has found that people link to arrested computer engineer Zuber alias Zubair Ilyas Hungergekar (37) allegedly collected and burned suspected books, certificates, and documents a day after his arrest.
These materials were reportedly taken from Kausarbaug in Kondhwa, where he regularly delivered aggressive sermons on the Quran, Hadith, and the concept of Caliphate.
Investigators traced the burning of these documents to an open area inside a religious premises at Kalepadal. ATS officials conducted a spot inspection and recovered partially burnt papers. CCTV footage allegedly shows one of Zuber’s associates arriving in an autorickshaw and burning the documents. Statements of seven eyewitnesses have been recorded.
Officials also examined a basement madrasa in Kausarbaug where Zuber and his associates allegedly gathered. CCTV footage from the site has been seized.
Zuber was arrested on October 27 and produced before the special court after his initial police custody ended. The prosecution requested an extension of custody, stating that further investigation was required.
During the hearing, Zuber complained that the continuous questioning was depriving him of proper sleep and affecting his health. The court instructed investigating officers to ensure he gets adequate rest and extended his custody until November 14.
ATS told the court that nearly 1 terabyte of data had been seized from various electronic devices belonging to Zuber. The data is being analysed, including his social media accounts. Officials said some chats may contain coded language.
From the house of one of his close associates, police seized ₹2.35 lakh in cash. Investigators are working to identify what documents were destroyed and why.
Police have also recovered an old mobile phone belonging to Zuber from one of his associates’ homes. The device contained contact numbers of individuals from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman. His current phone reportedly had numbers stored of people from Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Authorities have questioned 18 close contacts of Zuber. Among them, 11 are above 45 years of age; some are former members of the now-banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). A few also face earlier cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
