NIA Files Chargesheet Against 7 Accused In Pune ISIS Terror Module Case
Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 5th November 2023: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against seven individuals involved in a conspiracy linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The accused played roles in fundraising for the terrorist organization, intending to support its activities related to terror and violence a bigger scale than the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.
Moreover, the accused were found to be orchestrating terrorist training camps, sheltering known and wanted terrorists, and engaging in acts preparatory to the creation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). They were also discovered in possession of IEDs, firearms, and ammunition.
The accused have been chargesheeted before the NIA Special Court in Mumbai, under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P) Act), Explosive Substances Act, Arms Act, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in NIA RC-05/2023/NIA/MUM.
The seven accused individuals, arrested and charged, are as follows:
- Mohammad Imran Mohammad Yusuf Khan @ Matka @ Aamir Abdul Hameed Khan (A-1) – resident of Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh
- Mohammad Yunus Mohammad Yakub Saki @ Adil @ Adil Saleem Khan (A-2) – resident of Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh
- Kadeer Dastagir Pathan @ Abdul Kadeer (A-3) – resident of Kondwa, Pune
- Seemab Nasiruddin Kazi (A-4) – resident of Kondwa, Pune
- Zulfikar Ali Barodawala @ Lalabhai @ Lala @ Saif (A-5) – resident of Padgha, Thane
- Shamil Saquib Nachan (A-6) – resident of Padgha, Thane
- Aakif Ateeque Nachan (A-7) – resident of Padgha, Thane
Investigations revealed that the accused persons are members of the proscribed terrorist organization ISIS, aiming to further its terrorist activities and threaten the security, integrity, and sovereignty of India. The NIA’s investigation uncovered a larger conspiracy with international connections and the involvement of foreign-based ISIS handlers.
As part of this extremist network, the accused individuals took an oath of allegiance to the self-styled Khalifa (leader) of ISIS, involving themselves in the creation of IEDs with intentions to carry out acts of terrorism on Indian soil. The accused conducted reconnaissance missions across multiple states, posing a significant threat to national security.
Their escape plan involved identifying remote forests as possible hideouts and using drones for reconnaissance to locate suitable camping locations while on the run. The accused were also found collecting funds from various sources, both within India and abroad, to finance their terror designs.
The case was initially registered as FIR no. 175/2023 dated 19.07.2023, encompassing various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Arms Act, and the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951. Subsequently, on 30.08.2023, the NIA took over the case, leading to its re-registration as RC-05/2023/NIA/Mumbai.
Notably, the NIA arrested an 8th accused, Mohammad Shahnawaz Alam S/o. Shafiur Rahman Alam, on 02.11.2023, for active involvement in promoting terrorist activities of the designated foreign terrorist organization. Further investigation of this case is continuing in accordance with the provisions of section 173(8) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
