Pune: ATS Arrests Mechanical Engineer Involved In Terror Funding
Pune, 29th July 2023: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) made a significant arrest on Saturday, apprehending a mechanical engineer who was found to be involved in sending money to a businessman who harbored terrorists arrested from Kothrud. The funds were reportedly provided to support the terror activities of the arrested individuals who resided in Kondhwa and hailed from Madhya Pradesh.
The arrested mechanical engineer has been identified as Simab Nasruddin Kazi, aged 27, residing in Kausarbagh, Kondhwa, and originally hailing from Pandhari in Ratnagiri. With this latest arrest, a total of four individuals have now been arrested in connection with this criminal conspiracy.
Earlier, Mohammad Imran Mohammad Yusuf Khan (23) and Mohammad Yusuf Mohammad Yakub Saki (24), both from Chetna Garden, Mithanagar, Kondhwa, and natives of Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, were apprehended while attempting to steal a two-wheeler in Kothrud. Further investigation into their activities led to the discovery of their terrorist connections and they were on the most wanted list of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Additionally, Abdul Qadir Dastgir Pathan (32) from Kondhwa, who had provided shelter to the two arrested terrorists, was also taken into custody.
Simab Kazi appeared before the court today, and the court granted ATS custody of him till August 5 for further investigation.
During the joint interrogation of the previously arrested suspects, the ATS learned that a person from Ratnagiri had provided financial support to Pathan. After identifying the person as Kazi, the ATS called him in for questioning. Subsequent investigation revealed that Kazi had indeed provided financial logistics to the terrorists, leading to his arrest.
The ATS and the investigating officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police Arun Vaikar, and Special Public Prosecutor Vijay Fargade, sought his custody to probe the extent of his involvement and any potential accomplices.
According to the prosecution’s statement in court, Kazi had transferred money to Pathan’s bank account, which was then passed on to Khan and Saki to fund terrorist activities. Both of them pretended to be graphic designers. According to NIA, they are associated ISIS-inspired Sufa terrorist group based in Madhya Pradesh.
Kazi, originally from Pandheri village in Ratnagiri district, holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and is employed at a reputable company with a salary package of Rs 15 lakhs. He currently resides in the Kondhwa area of Pune.
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