The National Investigation Agency on Sunday arrested two men in Telangana’s capital Hyderabad for their alleged connections with Islamic State jihadist group. The agency identified the accused as 24-year-old Mohammed Abdullah Basith from Hafeezbaba Nagar locality and and 19-year-old Mohammed Abdul Qhadeer, a resident of Chandrayan Gutta.
The agency said it is investigating a plan to “identify, motivate, radicalise, recruit and train Indian Muslim youth” to expand the Islamic State’s operations in India. On January 28, it registered a case against Sheikh Azhar ul Islam, Mohammed Farhan Shaikh and Adnan Hassan, who were reportedly conspiring to promote the jihadist group’s operations in Hyderabad. The three were subsequently arrested.
During their investigation, NIA officials received inputs about Basith and Qhadeer coordinating to conduct Islamic State-related activities in the city. On August 6, the agency raided seven places and seized incriminating material. The evidence has been sent to Central Forensic Science Laboratory for further examination.
“An initial questioning done so far has brought out the involvement of accused Basith, Qhadeer and other associates pledging their allegiance to the proscribed terrorist organisation Islamic State to carry out terror activities in the country,” The Hindu quoted unidentified officials as saying.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!