The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has found a brainwashing video from the mobile phones of four ISIS-linked terrorists pledging allegiance. On May 19th, the ATS apprehended four suspects linked to the Islamic State at Ahmedabad Airport.
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).
The video, recorded in Tamil, depicts the four suspects together, with their mentor and ISIS handler, Abu, who is based in Pakistan. In the footage, Abu can be seen indoctrinating and brainwashing the recruits. The suspects pledge allegiance to the ISIS flag, revealing the extent of their radicalisation.
Abu had facilitated their meeting and provided training to the group four months ago. Their mission was to come to Ahmedabad for the final phase of their operation. The investigation indicates that their activities escalated after the recent conflict between Hamas and Palestine, during which they were falsely informed that India and America supported Israel.
Four days before their arrival in Ahmedabad, weapons were strategically placed in Nana Chiloda. The ATS is meticulously examining CCTV footage from the area to trace their movements.
Of the four suspects, only two possessed mobile phones—both newly purchased. One phone had the Proton Email app, while the other used Signal. They awaited instructions from Abu through these encrypted channels. Abu had even sent them detailed photographs pinpointing the exact location of the concealed weapons, including specific landmarks and a spot under a stone.
The investigation has also revealed the suspects’ criminal backgrounds. Mohammad Nusrat is involved in gold smuggling, Mohammad Faris in drug trafficking and Mohammad Rasdin has five criminal cases in Sri Lanka. Their terrorist training began in February, culminating in a plan for a suicide attack in India.
The ATS has notified the suspects’ families about their arrest. Additionally, the Gujarat ATS has requested WiFi data from both Chennai and Ahmedabad airports, as the suspects utilised Chennai Airport WiFi for communication. A joint team involving the Tamil Nadu ATS and police from other states is actively assisting in the investigation.
Also Read: Hunt On For Locals Who Helped IS Terrorists
