Asraf Ali was setting up IM modules in Rajasthan

Indian Mujahideen (IM) operative, Asraf Ali, who was arrested from Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu on Thursday, was the main source of setting up IM modules in western Rajasthan, ATS investigations have revealed.

Security agencies said that the decision to set up an Indian Mujahideen (IM) module and sleeper cells in Rajasthan was taken way back in 2011 on the directions of Pakistan-based Riyaz Bhatkal, who is wanted by the NIA. Ashraf,along with two other modules Maroof and Barqat, arrested a month back by the police, were working together to raise more modules in the state.

Meanwhile a special team of Rajasthan ATS brought Ashraf to Jaipur late on Saturday night. Officials said he will be produced in the court on Monday. “Investigations are in full swing. On Monday we will produce Ashraf in Jodhpur court and will take him on police remand for further interrogation,” said Dr Ravi SP, Anti Terrorist Squad.

After terrorists Saquib and Barkat were held in Jodhpur with explosives a month earlier, Ashraf immediately left Jodhpur and was hiding in a mosque at Port Nova in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu.

“Ashraf is among one of the three modules working in Rajasthan since 2011 and is believed to have direct links with top bosses.  We believe that Ashraf will reveal important information during interrogation,” said a senior official of ATS. Sources said the police will also conduct joint interrogations of Ashraf, Saquib and Barkat in Jodhpur jail.