The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested six ISIS-inspired men from Kerala allegedly being involved in planning terror strikes in the country.
NIA said, “Information was received that some youths from Kerala and Tamil Nadu along with their accomplices have entered into a criminal conspiracy to commit terror acts by collecting explosives and other offensive material to target important persons and places in various parts of south lndia.”
Under the direction from the Union Home Ministry, the NIA investigated the matter and filed case against the men at its Kochi branch on Saturday under IPC sections fro criminal conspiracy, waging or attempting to wage war against the government of India, collecting arms etc the intention of waging war against the GOI and sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The NIA, along with Kerala, Delhi and Telangana Police, launched surveillance on the movements of the accused allegedly involved in the conspiracy.
The statement released by the NIA said, “During searches conducted in the districts of Kozikhode and Kannur in Kerala on Sunday, six persons have been arrested for their involvement in the conspiracy. Five of them were arrested while conducting a meeting at Kanakamala hilltop in Kannur district, Kerala. Subsequently, another person was arrested from Kuttiyadi in Kozhikode district later.”
It further added, “During the searches, incriminating material, including electronic devices, were seized from them and their premises. Follow-up searches are being conducted by the NIA in Chennai, Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu and Kannur, Kozhikode and Mallapuram in Kerala.”
Reports said that the six men have no connection to the 22 people that recently left for Islamic State-controlled Nangharhar in Afghanistan.
The six men have been identified as Manseed alias Omar Al Hindi alias Muthuka, 30, resident of Madina Mahal, Aniyaram, in Kannur district of Kerala; Abu Basheer alias Rashid alias Buccha alias Dalpati alias Ameer, 29, resident of Kottaikudur, Mazjid Street, GM Nagar, South Ukkadam, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu; Swalih Mohammed T alias Yousuf alias Abu Hasna, 26, resident of Ambalath, Venganallur, Chelakkara panchayat in Thrissur, Kerala, and currently staying in Chennai; Safwan P, 30, of Pookkattil House, Ponmundam, Tirur, in Mallapuram district, Kerala; Jasim NK, 25, of Nangeelam Kandy, Kuttiyady in Kozhikode district, Kerala; and Ramshad Nageelan Kandiyil alias Aaamu, 24, of Nangeelan Kandiyil House, Kuttiady, in Kozhikode district.
By Prajakt K
