05 November,2023 05:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against seven individuals associated with ISIS who are accused of conspiring to carry out terrorist attacks in various parts of India, an official told PTI on Sunday. According to the report, they have been charged under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Explosive Substances Act, the Arms Act, and the Indian Penal Code in the case involving an ISIS module based in Pune.
The individuals named in the chargesheet are "Mohammad Imran-Mohammad Yusuf Khan alias 'Matka' alias 'Aamir Abdul Hameed Khan' and Mohammad Yunus-Mohammad Yakub Saki alias 'Adil' alias 'Adil Saleem Khan'" from Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh; "Kadeer Dastagir Pathan alias 'Abdul Kadeer' and Seemab Nasiruddin Kazi" from Kondwa, Pune, Maharashtra; and "Zulfikar Ali Barodawala alias 'Lalabhai' alias 'Saif', Shamil Saquib Nachan and Aakif Ateeque Nachan" from Padgha, Thane, Maharashtra, the report stated.
Reportedly, the accused were involved in fundraising for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) with the intent to support its activities related to terrorism and violence, the spokesperson stated. The investigation revealed that they organized terrorist training camps, harboured known and wanted terrorists, and engaged in activities related to the creation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Additionally, they were found in possession of IEDs, firearms, and ammunition. Their conspiracy aimed to advance the terrorist activities of ISIS, posing a threat to people's safety and the security, integrity, and sovereignty of India, the report further stated.
The investigation uncovered a broader conspiracy with international links and the involvement of foreign-based ISIS handlers. This complex network of individuals was committed to propagating the extremist ideology of ISIS within India. The accused had sworn allegiance to the self-styled Khalifa (leader) of ISIS and intended to carry out acts of terrorism in India. They conducted extensive reconnaissance missions across multiple states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana, and others, to identify potential targets for planting and detonating IEDs, the report said.
The accused had detailed plans for evading arrest following potential attacks, including identifying remote forests as possible hideouts and using drones for reconnaissance to locate suitable camping sites while on the run. They also collected funds from various sources, both within India and abroad, to finance their terrorist designs and plans.
The case was initially registered on July 19, covering various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Arms Act, and the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951. Subsequently, on August 30, the NIA took over the case for a comprehensive investigation. An eighth accused in the case, Mohammad Shahnawaz Alam, was arrested on November 2 for his alleged active involvement in promoting terrorist activities of the designated foreign terrorist organization.
