NIA chargesheets 2 more terrorists in Karnataka Al-Hind ISIS module case

New Delhi [India], August 19 (ANI): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charge-sheeted two more terrorists in the Karnataka Al-Hind ISIS module case relating to a major terror conspiracy involving targeted killings and other jihadi activities, the agency said in a statement on Monday.

The accused, Abdul Matheen Taha and Mussavir Hussain Shazib were both residents of Thirthahalli, Shivamogga District, Karnataka. “They were involved in a larger terror conspiracy of ISIS and had been absconding until they were arrested on April 12, 2024,” the statement said.

In its second supplementary chargesheet filed in the conspiracy case, NIA has charged the duo under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

18 accused have been charge-sheeted so far in connection with the case.

The NIA took over the case from the Bengaluru City police on January 23, 2020.

“NIA investigations have revealed that Abdul Matheen Taha was self-radicalized and had, in turn, radicalized and recruited Mussavir Hussain Shazib and others. In 2018, Taha was introduced to online handler Bhai alias Laptop Bhai and went on to introduce Bhai to Mehaboob Pasha, who had formed the Al-Hind Trust in collaboration with his family members in Gurupanapallaya, Bengaluru City. Pasha was also responsible for passing on an online handler link to Khaja Mohideen, who had joined Al Hind Trust along with his associates to promote the ISIS terrorist activities in India,” the agency said.

Abdul Matheen Taha and Mussavir Hussain Shazib had harboured accused Thowfeek and Abdul Shameem, as per the NIA investigations. Thowfeek and Abdul Shameem later murdered Wilson SSI of Tamil Nadu Police, at the Kaliyakavillai check-post at the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, with a pistol provided by Mehaboob Pasha, the agency said.