Terror Plot Thwarted: NIA Busts Kerala Based ISIS Module, Arrests 1 From Hideout In Tamil Nadu

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on 20 July, announced that it had busted an ISIS module in Kerala that planned to attack places of worship and leaders of certain communities.

In a statement, the NIA said, "Based on credible inputs and investigations, NIA conducted an intelligence-led joint operation with Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Kerala Police, and searched four locations following the arrest of one accused.

"The raids were conducted at three locations in Thrissur and one in Palakkad districts of Kerala to bust the IS module, which had been conducting reconnaissance missions and conspiring to commit terrorist attacks."

The raids followed the arrest of a suspect, Ashif, from Sathyamangalam in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

"On Tuesday, NIA successfully tracked and arrested an accused Ashif @ Mathilakath Kodayil Ashraf from his hideout near Sathyamangalam, Tamil Nadu.

"The next day (19.7.2023), searches were conducted in the houses of Ashif, as well as three others, identified as Seyid Nabeel Ahammed, Shiyas TS of Thrissur and Rayees of Palakkad. Digital devices and incriminating documents were seized during these raids."

Regarding the activities of the module, it said, "The module had been engaged in raising funds for promoting IS activities and carrying out terror attacks by committing dacoities and other criminal activities.

"They were conspiring to commit terrorist activities and had already conducted a recce of a few various prominent places, including places of worship and leaders of certain communities in the State. It aimed to spread terror and trigger a communal divide in Kerala."

It added that investigations in the case are continuing.

This comes days after the Bengaluru police averted a major terror attack in the city.

Also Read: NIA Arrests Aligarh Muslim University Student Over ISIS Links