NIA nabs IS-returned operative

A 31-year-old man, who returned from Iraq's Mosul after fighting for the Islamic State (IS) last year, was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for “conspiring” to carry out terror strikes in the country.

Subahani Haja Moideen, who originally belongs to Thodupuzha in Idukki district of Kerala and had settled in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli, was taken into custody on Wednesday after questioning in Kochi since October 3, the NIA said on Thursday.

He is part of the IS module operating in Kerala under the leadership of Omar al-Hindi. Six people, including al-Hindi alias Manseed, were arrested last Sunday.
Moideen had got in touch with the IS handlers over Internet and was “planning to collect explosives and precursor chemicals from Sivakasi”.

He had travelled to Chennai, Coimbatore and other places to meet local contacts to collect money and procure explosives as “guided” by his handlers.

The youth had rejoined the IS during his stay in Tamil Nadu, soon after leaving the outfit only months ago as he “could not withstand the violence” in Mosul. Moideen, who was “radicalised” by recruiters over online platforms, reached Iraq on April 8, 2015, after he told his parents and wife that he was going to perform Umrah. He flew to Turkey’s Istanbul and crossed over to Mosul with Pakistanis and Afghans.

In Mosul, he underwent a “detailed course” in Sharia and combat training. He was sent to war zone for two weeks. He was paid $100 a month as subsistence allowance, accommodation and food. But the violence around him prompted a change of mind. However, he was subjected to torture when he informed IS leaders about his plans to quit. Later, he was allowed to return to Turkey.

After Turkish Police issued a clearance certificate, Indian Consulate helped him return to Tirunelveli in 2015, where he got a job as a salesman. He was staying with wife. “However, he again got in touch with IS handlers,” the NIA said.

NIA picks up two suspects in TN
*NIA sleuths on Thursday detained two youths with suspected IS links in Chennai, DHNS reports.
*NIA team from Kerala picked up Sadique and Sahul from a hotel.
*Sadique was let off, while the NIA took Sahul for further interrogation.