NIA has raided across India and arrested 13 ISIS sympathisers. Six lakhs recovered from Muddabir who is an ‘Ameer’ (Governor) of Western India.
The NIA along with state police forces and central security agencies have made a vital breakthrough by arresting 13 ISIS sympathisers across the country ahead of Republic Day. The raids were conducted in four states of Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh as 13 people had formed a group named ‘Janood-ul-Khalifa-e-Hind a terror group which is following the ideologies similar to ISIS. Mumbra resident Muddabir Mushtaq Shaikh was arrested in a joint operation carried out by sleuths from Maharashtra ATS and National Investigation Agency (NIA). Mushtaq who is in his early thirties has designated himself as ‘Ameer’ of the organisations.
According to Home Ministry sources, Muddabir was entrusted with the task of carrying out blasts at various locations across the country besides attacking foreigners. He had recently received funds worth Rs 6 lakh and was in close contact with those arrested. Mushtaq’s mobile phone and laptop, have been seized and will be sent for forensic examination, said police sources. The sleuths recovered explosive material, detonators, wires, batteries and hydrogen peroxide besides ‘Jehadi literature.’
“Shaikh is an unemployed youth residing in Amrut Nagar, Mumbra. Since he was active on social networking sites a team of investigation agencies were keeping a close watch on his activities. He was in contact with a ISIS handler who brainwashed him,” said an officer from ATS on the condition of anonymity.
He is a graduate and holds a diploma in computer software and used to spend most of his time at home. Shaikh was produced before an NIA court in Mumbai, where the agency sought for a transit remand to produce him before a court in Delhi, and was granted a three-day transit remand.
“He tried to influence other people for joining ISIS. He might be one of the key recruiters in India,” said a police officer on the condition of anonymity.
The crackdown comes days after the arrest of a madrassa teacher from Karnataka for suspected links with al-Qaeda. The office of the Consulate General of France had also received a threat letter against French President Francois Hollande’s proposed visit to India on the occasion of the Republic Day.
With increased activities of ISIS supporters online, the government has taken the threat of the dreaded terror group seriously and asked states to remain alert.
Earlier this week, the Delhi Police arrested a suspected militant along with his three accomplices from Roorkee for allegedly planning an attack at Ardh Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. It was later revealed that they had links with ISIS.
