NIA raids 25 TN & K’taka sites over IS-inspired cells

NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday conducted searches at multiple locations in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in three cases relating to modules inspired by banned terrorist outfit Islamic State (IS). While 10 locations in Tamil Nadu — including one each in Chennai, Kanchipuram and Toothukudi, three in Salem, and four in Cuddalore — were searched, as many as 15 locations were searched in Bengaluru and Kolar in Karnataka.
The first case, registered by NIA in January this year, involved 10 people arrested and charged with conspiring with an IS member for carrying out unlawful activities and committing terrorist acts in the country by procuring illegal arms, for furthering the objectives of the proscribed terror group.
The second case — IS Khaja Moideen Module — was also registered by the NIA in January this year. Four accused and their associates were named by the NIA in an alleged conspiracy to carry out terrorist attacks in Delhi-NCR to further the objectives of IS. During searches at the houses of the arrested accused, documents, including books supporting violent jihad have been seized, the NIA said.
In Karnataka, the NIA carried out searches at 15 locations in Bengaluru and Kolar in connection with an investigation of a case relating to IS Al Hind Module. The locations include houses of the arrested and absconding accused and office of Al-Hind Trust. The case pertains to a criminal conspiracy of killing Hindu leaders, creating communal riots and to carry out “anti-national” activities by forming a terrorist gang inspired by IS.
The members of the terrorist gang conducted meetings at Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and propagated IS ideology, procured arms and ammunition and other incriminating material for executing their plans, the official said.