Pune: NIA Seeks Transfer Of Case Related To Arrest Of Suspected Terrorists In Kothrud
Pune, 7th August 2023: Perturbing developments have emerged as two arrested suspected terrorists from Kothrud and their accomplices, responsible for providing ‘terror funding’, have been linked to notorious terrorist organizations ‘ISIS’ and ‘Al Sufa’. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formally submitted a request to transfer the ongoing investigation to its jurisdiction.
Today, the NIA filed an application in a special court seeking investigation transfer. The decision is anticipated to be reached on Tuesday, August 8th, said Adv. Vijay Fargade, Special Public Prosecutor.
The detained individuals under scrutiny have exhibited an in-depth study of global terrorist entities and their activities. Preliminary findings by the Pune unit of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) underscore their endeavors to ascertain the feasibility of replicating similar activities within India.
Unraveling the details, the suspected terrorists had been residing in Kondhwa for a year and a half. Reports suggest that they employed unconventional tactics, including recce practice and drone surveillance, in sensitive areas throughout the city. Queries arise over the intent behind these maneuvers, ranging from potential drone-based explosive plots to bike thefts or chain blasts during significant events.
Mohammad Yunus Mohammad Yakub Saki (24 years) and Mohammad Imran Mohammad Yusuf Khan (23 years), hailing from Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, were apprehended by Kothrud Police on July 18, 2023, for an attempted two-wheeler theft. They lived in Mithanagar area of Kondhwa.
Additionally, Abdul Qadir Dastgir Pathan (32 years), a Kondhwa resident who provided accommodations, and mechanical engineer Simab Nasruddin Kazi (27 years, from Ratnagiri), responsible for financial logistics, are also in custody. The NIA has subsequently apprehended Zulfiqar Barodawala. All remain in ATS custody until August 11.
Following the arrest of ISIS Maharashtra group leader Dr Adnanali Sarkar, the NIA has uncovered links between the terrorist organization and the suspects. Subsequently, the scope of the investigation expanded, leading to arrests of Tabish Naseer Siddiqui, Zubair Noor Mohammed Sheikh Abu Nusaiba, Sharjeel Sheikh, and Zulfikar Ali Badodawala in Mumbai, Thane, and Pune, for propagating terrorist ideology.
Key revelations from the investigation include:
- Testing of bomb blasts in Pune, Kolhapur, and Satara forests
- Bomb-making camp organized by Barodawala for accomplices
- Active youth enticement for ISIS activities within Maharashtra
- Saki and Khan, hailing from Madhya Pradesh, resided in Pune for 1.5 years
- Electronic devices reveal connection to ‘ISIS’
- ATS discovery of buried bomb-making materials
- Examination of global terrorist activities
- Potential for extensive operations in India explored
- Proficiency in newer tools demonstrated by the terrorists
- Procurement of restricted chemicals and explosives
