Anurag Kumar
In a Saturday intelligence-led joint operation with the Anti Terror Squad (ATS) of the Madhya Pradesh Police, the National Investigation Agency dismantled a terror cell with ties to ISIS and apprehended three Jabalpur residents.
The arrests occurred during nocturnal raids conducted by the NIA on May 26 and 27 at 13 locations in Jabalpur. Syed Mamoor Ali, Mohammad Adil Khan, and Mohammad Shahid will be brought before the NIA’s special court in Bhopal. The central agency seized weapons with pointed edges, ammunition (including ammunition with a prohibited bore), incriminating documents, and digital devices.
The NIA registered a case on May 24 as part of its investigation into the alleged pro-ISIS activities of Mohammad Adil Khan, who had come under its scrutiny in August of last year. He and his associates are accused of participating in the dissemination of ISIS propaganda via social media platforms and ‘Dawah’ programs on the ground.
The activities were conducted with the intent of launching violent terror operations in India on behalf of ISIS. The module held meetings/Dars in local Masjids and houses and hatched plots and conspiracies to spread terror in the country, according to a statement released by the agency.
The investigation revealed that the three suspects were highly radicalized and committed to engaging in violent jihad activities. They were engaged in fund-raising, disseminating ISIS propaganda, motivating and recruiting youth, and attempting to acquire weapons and ammunition in order to commit terrorist acts.
According to the NIA, Syed Mamoor Ali created a local group called ‘Fisbilillah’ and also managed a WhatsApp group with the same name. Together with his associates, he was in contact with a Jabalpur-based illicit arms dealer in an effort to acquire pistols.
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Adil, a devoted adherent and supporter of ISIS, was able to construct an active group of similarly radicalized Jabalpur-based individuals. The NIA stated that some of the module members were already considering Hijrat (flight) to conflict zones, while others had plans to establish a local group to carry out violent jihad in India.
Adil also operated multiple YouTube, Instagram, and WhatsApp channels to recruit and inspire young people to join ISIS. Investigations revealed that Shahid also intended to acquire pistols, IEDs, and even grenades for use in violent attacks in India.
