The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) apprehended four suspected terrorists linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) at Ahmedabad airport on Monday.
The suspects, all Sri Lankan nationals, were identified as Mohammad Nusrat Ahmed Ghani (33), Mohammad Faris Mohammad Farooq (35), Mohammad Nafran Naufer (27) and Mohammad Rashdeen Abdul Karim (43). They were reportedly detained based on specific intelligence regarding their affiliation with ISIS.
During a press conference, Gujarat Police DGP Vikas Sahai revealed, “ATS officials received a tip-off about the arrival of four terrorists by air or rail on May 18 and 19. Under discreet surveillance, they were apprehended at the airport. The terrorists had travelled from Chennai to Ahmedabad on an IndiGo flight, having arrived in Chennai from Sri Lanka at 3 am on the 19th.”
During the interrogation, it was discovered that Abu Bakar al-Baghdadi, residing in Pakistan, had encouraged the four captured Sri Lankan nationals to commit acts of terrorism. “These individuals were even prepared to become suicide bombers. It was also uncovered that Abu Bakar gave them four lakh rupees in Sri Lankan currency to fund the operation,” added DGP Sahai.
Two mobile phones were recovered from the accused, which contained various photographs and videos. “During a thorough investigation of the mobile phones, we found photographs and location data of Nanachiloda near Ahmedabad,” said DGP Sahai.
Upon further investigation, it was revealed that their Pakistani handler had stashed weapons at this location for the accused to use in terrorist acts. “Photographs of the weapon cache were also found on the phones. Consequently, ATS officials proceeded to Nanachiloda, where they discovered three Pakistani pistols and 20 cartridges, as indicated in the photographs,” DGP Sahai added.
The discovery of an ISIS flag at the location suggested a plan to display it after carrying out a terrorist act. As a result, a case has been filed at the ATS police station under multiple sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Arms Act.
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