ISIS, Al-Qaeda links: NIA searches locations in Mumbai, Bengaluru

New Delhi: Multiple locations belonging to suspects, alleged to have links with global terror groups ISIS and Al-Qaeda, were subjected to a raid by the National Investigation Agency. The said spots were located in the cities of Mumbai and Bengaluru, Asian News International reported.

The raids were on a case of hatching conspiracy by the accused to spread the banned organisation Islamic State’s terror activities. The case also charges the accused with endangering the unity, security and sovereignty of the nation.

Sources informed that the searches yielded incriminating evidence, including digital devices and documents from the properties belonging to the suspects. Sources added that some of the suspects were taken for questioning.

Last month, the central agency carried out raids in six locations in Karnataka and arrested two individuals. The case that prompted the search was the Shivamogga Islamic State conspiracy, and the searched places included Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga, Devangere and Bengaluru.

The arrestees were identified as Reshaan Thajuddin Sheikh from Varamballi in Brahmavar, Udupi, and Huzair Farhan Baig from Shivamogga.

NIA’s investigation claimed to be revealed that one Maaz Muneer radicalised his close associate and college mate Reshaan Thajuddin. Both of them received funds from their ISIS handler through crypto-wallets. They had been involved in arson, targeting vehicles and other establishments such as liquor shops, godowns and power transformers, NIA claimed.

Though the case was first registered on September 19, 2022, at Shivamogga Rural Police Station, NIA reregistered the case on November 15, 2022.