Pune in Maharashtra has emerged as a key recruitment hub for terror outfits, with the Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda increasingly targeting educated professionals in the city. Both organisations have relied heavily on digital platforms to identify and approach potential recruits.

The Indian Mujahideen was among the first outfits to establish a recruitment network in Pune. After the organisation was dismantled, such activities declined for some time. However, the Islamic State later took over its network, turning Pune into one of its major digital recruitment centres, an official said.

The group has also recruited individuals in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. However, officials say its approach in these southern states differs from the model it follows in Pune. The Pune module mainly targets highly educated, white-collar professionals.

Between 2023 and 2026, security agencies busted several terror modules in the city. These included an Al-Qaeda-linked radicalised module involving Zubair Hangargekar, the Islamic State module in Kondhwa and the case of Ayan Sheikh, who was linked to the IS.

Investigations found that members of these modules were either preparing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) or spreading violent jihad through encrypted channels. Officials also found that the members were highly educated and capable of operating independently without external support.

An Intelligence Bureau official said that the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda had found several educated and talented individuals in Pune. Their employment in major companies provides a basic cover against detection. Their technical skills also help them spread information through digital networks without requiring basic technical training.

Areas such as Kondhwa offer additional cover due to their low visibility. Members of the Islamic State module had rented a house there and set up an IED training workshop. They had also identified a location to test the devices, according to the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) investigation.

Despite repeated crackdowns, the Islamic State continues to recruit from Pune. "These busts are no doubt setbacks, but the Islamic State would lie low for a couple of months before pursuing the recruitment drive in another couple of months," an official said.

Another official said the group's recruitment strategy extends beyond Pune. It aims to connect its modules in the city with networks in Mumbai and Thane, creating a wider operational base.

The organisation also plans to expand its network across Maharashtra and other regions. Its strategy involves linking Pune-based modules with those in Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir, following a pattern similar to its expansion across Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.

Pune is expected to serve as the command centre due to the technical expertise of its recruits. Members based there would source materials, conduct tests and train recruits in other locations. Officials said the modules are not preparing to carry out immediate attacks. Instead, they are willing to wait for months or even years before executing a plan. This patience makes the Maharashtra-led network particularly dangerous.