Major Bust: NIA Catches ISIS Sleeper Cell Fugitives at Mumbai Airport
ISIS Sleeper Cell Fugitives Apprehended at Mumbai Airport
In a major crackdown on terrorism, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two key fugitives linked to an ISIS sleeper cell at Mumbai Airport. The arrests come after a two-year manhunt for the suspects, who were attempting to return from their hideout in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Long Arms of the Law
Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh, also known as Diaperwala, and Talha Khan were intercepted by immigration authorities at Mumbai International Airport Terminal 2. The NIA had issued non-bailable warrants for their arrest and even placed a Rs 3 lakh reward on their heads for information leading to their capture.
The Pune Plot
The suspects are accused of being part of a conspiracy involving eight other ISIS Pune sleeper cell members who are currently in judicial custody. The NIA alleges that the group aimed to destabilize India’s peace through violent means to establish Islamic governance.
Bomb-Making Workshops
According to the NIA, Shaikh and Khan, previously charged along with the others, allegedly assembled improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at a rented residence in Kondhwa, Pune. Between 2022 and 2023, they conducted bomb-making workshops and even tested an IED in a controlled explosion at the premises.
Charges Against the Accused
The NIA had previously filed charges against all 10 accused under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Explosive Substances Act, Arms Act, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The other individuals arrested and charged include Mohammed Imran Khan, Mohammed Yunus Saki, Abdul Kadir Pathan, Simab Nasiruddin Kazi, Zulfikar Ali Barodawala, Shamil Nachan, Akif Nachan, and Shahnawaz Alam.
