The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet against seven individuals involved in a conspiracy related to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS or IS). The accused were involved in the collection and raising of funds for the terrorist organisation with the intention to further its activities relating to terror and violence.
The accused were found to be organising terrorist training camps, harboring known and wanted terrorists, and committing acts preparatory to the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Additionally, they were also found in possession of IEDs, firearms, and ammunition.
The accused have been chargesheeted before the NIA Special Court in Mumbai, under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P) Act), Explosive Substances Act, Arms Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in NIA RC-05/2023/NIA/MUM.
THE SEVEN ACCUSED
The seven accused individuals, who have been arrested and charged, are:
- Mohammad Imran Mohammad Yusuf Khan alias Matka alias Aamir Abdul Hameed Khan, a resident of Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh
- Mohammad Yunus Mohammad Yakub Saki alias Adil alias Adil Saleem Khan, a resident of Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh
- Kadeer Dastagir Pathan alias Abdul Kadeer, a resident of Kondwa, Pune
- Seemab Nasiruddin Kazi, a resident of Kondwa, Pune
- Zulfikar Ali Barodawala alias Lalabhai alias Lala alias Saif, a resident of Padgha, Thane
- Shamil Saquib Nachan, a resident of Padgha, Thane
- Aakif Ateeque Nachan, a resident of Padgha, Thane
The investigations revealed that the accused persons in the case are members of the ISIS, a proscribed terrorist organisation under Schedule-I of the UA (P) Act 1967, and had hatched a conspiracy to further the terrorist activities of ISIS, with the intention to strike terror among people and threaten the security, integrity, and sovereignty of India.
‘TOOK OATH OF ALLEGIANCE’
The NIA investigations have uncovered a larger conspiracy with international connections and the involvement of foreign-based ISIS handlers in the ongoing case. The investigation has unveiled a complex network of individuals committed to propagating the extremist ideology of ISIS within India.
The accused individuals, as part of this network, took an oath of allegiance (Bayath) to the self-styled Khalifa (leader) of the ISIS and were found to be involved in the fabrication of IEDs. Their intentions were to carry out acts of terrorism on Indian soil. The accused conducted extensive reconnaissance missions (recce) across multiple states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana, and others. Their aim was to identify potential targets for planting and detonating the fabricated IEDs, posing a significant threat to national security.
THE ESCAPE PLAN
They had meticulous plans for evading arrest following the potential blasts.
As part of their escape plan, these individuals identified remote and deep forests as possible hideouts and used drones for reconnaissance to locate suitable camping locations while on the run. The accused were also found to be collecting funds from various sources, both within India and abroad, to finance their terror designs and plans.
The case was initially registered as First Information Report (FIR) no. 175/2023, dated July 19, encompassing various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Arms Act, and the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951. Subsequently, on August 30, the NIA took over the case, leading to its re-registration as RC-05/2023/NIA/Mumbai.
The NIA arrested eighth accused Mohammad Shahnawaz Alam S/o. Shafiur Rahman Alam on November 2 for active involvement in promoting terrorist activities of the designated foreign terrorist organisation. Further investigation of this case is continuing in accordance with the provisions of section 173(8) of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr. P. C.).
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