Charge sheet against 18 accused in terror cases

National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday submitted charge sheet against 18 accused in the sensational Kashmir Terrorist Recruitment Case at NIA court Kochi, in Kerala.

According to the charge sheet, Tadiyantavide Nazeer and Shafas who are accused in several other terrorism cases have joined hands with the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) to execute anti-national activities. They conducted study classes and terrorism camps in different places in Kerala, noted the charge sheet. With the submission of charge sheet, proceedings in the case are likely to begin soon.

The infamous Kashmir Terrorist Recruitment case revolves around the finding that several youth were recruited from Kerala to conduct anti-national activities in Kashmir. This came to light in 2008 when it was found that four terrorists who were killed in an encounter with Indian Army in Kashmir were from Kerala. Nazeer had connected the youth with LeT.

Nazeer and Shafas are accused in Kozhikkode and Bangalore bomb blast cases. They are currently undergoing life term imprisonment in bomb blast cases. The case which was initially investigated by Kerala Police, was later handed over to NIA. During the investigations, it was found that Abdul Wali, a Pakistan national was the mastermind in the recruitment. He is said to have visited several places in South India and organised camps for ideological and weapons’ training for terrorists.

However, two other accused —Wali and Ayub are yet to be arrested. Police said, Wali has probably returned to Pakistan. The NIA court has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Wali. Meanwhile Kerala DGP has ordered to beef up security in Ernakulam sub jail.