India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) had arrested six Ukrainian nationals at airports in Delhi and Lucknow after they were flagged through a routine immigration check called the C-form. The C-form is a key part of India's rules for tracking foreign visitors. When a foreigner stays at a hotel or other accommodation, the host, usually the hotel, must fill out and submit this online form to the government within 24 hours of the guest's arrival. It includes basic details like the person's full name, passport number, nationality, visa information, and stay dates.&nbsp;&nbsp;This helps authorities, through offices like the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), keep records of where foreigners are and monitor their movements for security reasons. In this case, the C-form submissions helped Indian officials spot the Ukrainians' presence and link it to suspicious activity. The men were arrested last week on March 13 as they tried to leave India, reportedly heading to a country in Southeast Asia. One US citizen was also detained at Kolkata airport in the same operation.&nbsp;Indian authorities accuse the group of entering the northeastern state of Mizoram, a restricted area that requires special permits, without permission. From there, they allegedly crossed illegally into neighbouring Myanmar. The NIA claims they trained ethnic armed groups in Myanmar on drone warfare, drone operations, assembly, and jamming technology. They face charges under India's strict anti-terror law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).&nbsp;The accused were remanded to NIA custody until March 27 for further investigation. India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) has said it cannot release details about the arrest of seven foreign nationals as the investigation remains in its early stages. The Ministry of external affairs has declined to comment, pointing the case is in the legal domain current. Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its embassy in New Delhi have strongly protested the arrests. They call the charges "orchestrated and politically motivated" and have asked for consular access to the detainees. In a statement, Ukraine said it "expects" India to handle the case with "transparency, legality, and respect for international law", noting the traditionally "friendly" ties between the two countries.

Immigration's C-form tracking led to arrest of six Ukrainians by Indian authorities 

India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) had arrested six Ukrainian nationals at airports in Delhi and Lucknow after they were flagged through a routine immigration check called the C-form. The C-form is a key part of India's rules for tracking foreign visitors. When a foreigner stays at a hotel or other accommodation, the host, usually the hotel, must fill out and submit this online form to the government within 24 hours of the guest's arrival. It includes basic details like the person's full name, passport number, nationality, visa information, and stay dates. This helps authorities, through offices like the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), keep records of where foreigners are and monitor their movements for security reasons. In this case, the C-form submissions helped Indian officials spot the Ukrainians' presence and link it to suspicious activity. The men were arrested last week on March 13 as they tried to leave India, reportedly heading to a country in Southeast Asia. One US citizen was also detained at Kolkata airport in the same operation. Indian authorities accuse the group of entering the northeastern state of Mizoram, a restricted area that requires special permits, without permission. From there, they allegedly crossed illegally into neighbouring Myanmar. The NIA claims they trained ethnic armed groups in Myanmar on drone warfare, drone operations, assembly, and jamming technology. They face charges under India's strict anti-terror law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The accused were remanded to NIA custody until March 27 for further investigation. India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) has said it cannot release details about the arrest of seven foreign nationals as the investigation remains in its early stages. The Ministry of external affairs has declined to comment, pointing the case is in the legal domain current. Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its embassy in New Delhi have strongly protested the arrests. They call the charges "orchestrated and politically motivated" and have asked for consular access to the detainees. In a statement, Ukraine said it "expects" India to handle the case with "transparency, legality, and respect for international law", noting the traditionally "friendly" ties between the two countries.

Indian authorities accuse the group of entering the northeastern state of Mizoram, a restricted area that requires special permits, without permission

Immigration's C-form tracking led to arrest of six Ukrainians by Indian authorities

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Anmol Bishnoi, brother and close aide of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, on Tuesday following his deportation from the US to India. After his formal arrest, he will be taken to Patiala House Court, where the NIA is expected to seek his remand before moving him to its headquarters.&nbsp;US-based Anmol Bishnoi, who has been absconding since 2022, is the 19th accused to be apprehended for his involvement in the terror-syndicate led by his jailed brother, Lawrence Bishnoi. Anmol was chargesheeted by the NIA in March 2023 after investigators found that he had played an active role in assisting designated terrorist Goldy Brar and Lawrence Bishnoi in carrying out multiple terror activities across India between 2020 and 2023, according to the NIA press release.&nbsp;Working in coordination with members of the Bishnoi network, Anmol allegedly continued to operate terror syndicates and execute terrorist acts for the Lawrence Bishnoi gang from the US, deploying gang operatives on the ground.&nbsp;The probe also indicated that Anmol Bishnoi had arranged shelter and logistic support for the gang’s shooters and ground operatives. He was further involved in an extortion network in India from foreign soil with the support of fellow gangsters.&nbsp;Ramesh Bishnoi, cousin of Anmol Bishnoi, told the news agency Press Trust of India, "The family is worried about his security. On behalf of the family, I request the Honourable PM and Honourable Home Minister to ensure Anmol's security. The way gang war is happening, we are apprehensive... Our family, society have always respected the law. Whether he is a culprit... it is part of the inquiry. His biggest crime is that he is the younger brother of Lawrence... he was never in the world of crime."&nbsp;The NIA is still probing case RC 39/2022/NIA/DLI, the terror–gangster conspiracy linked to Lawrence Bishnoi, as part of efforts to dismantle the network connecting terrorists, organised crime groups and arms traffickers, along with their infrastructure and funding routes.

The NIA is still probing case RC 39/2022/NIA/DLI, the terror–gangster conspiracy linked to Lawrence Bishnoi, as part of efforts to dismantle the network connecting terrorists, organised crime groups and arms traffickers, along with their infrastructure and funding routes.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Anmol Bishnoi, brother and close aide of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, on Tuesday following his deportation from the US to India. After his formal arrest, he will be taken to Patiala House Court, where the NIA is expected to seek his remand before moving him to its headquarters. US-based Anmol Bishnoi, who has been absconding since 2022, is the 19th accused to be apprehended for his involvement in the terror-syndicate led by his jailed brother, Lawrence Bishnoi. Anmol was chargesheeted by the NIA in March 2023 after investigators found that he had played an active role in assisting designated terrorist Goldy Brar and Lawrence Bishnoi in carrying out multiple terror activities across India between 2020 and 2023, according to the NIA press release. Working in coordination with members of the Bishnoi network, Anmol allegedly continued to operate terror syndicates and execute terrorist acts for the Lawrence Bishnoi gang from the US, deploying gang operatives on the ground. The probe also indicated that Anmol Bishnoi had arranged shelter and logistic support for the gang’s shooters and ground operatives. He was further involved in an extortion network in India from foreign soil with the support of fellow gangsters. Ramesh Bishnoi, cousin of Anmol Bishnoi, told the news agency Press Trust of India, "The family is worried about his security. On behalf of the family, I request the Honourable PM and Honourable Home Minister to ensure Anmol's security. The way gang war is happening, we are apprehensive... Our family, society have always respected the law. Whether he is a culprit... it is part of the inquiry. His biggest crime is that he is the younger brother of Lawrence... he was never in the world of crime." The NIA is still probing case RC 39/2022/NIA/DLI, the terror–gangster conspiracy linked to Lawrence Bishnoi, as part of efforts to dismantle the network connecting terrorists, organised crime groups and arms traffickers, along with their infrastructure and funding routes.

The NIA is still probing case RC 39/2022/NIA/DLI, the terror–gangster conspiracy linked to Lawrence Bishnoi, as part of efforts to dismantle the network connecting terrorists, organised crime groups and arms traffickers, along with their infrastructure and funding routes.

NIA arrest Anmol Bishnoi after US deports to India, agency to seek remand in Patiala House Court

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has conducted coordinated raids across five states, including Gujarat, West Bengal, Tripura, and Haryana, in connection with a terror case. Officials are reportedly searching multiple locations for evidence related to the case. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terror networks and ensure national security, with authorities urging public vigilance and cooperation.


NIA Raids Across 5 States in Gujarat Terror Case | Raids in West Bengal, Tripura, Haryana

Cyber slavery has entrapped thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of Indians in Southeast Asia, where they're forced to work for online scammers targetting Indians at home and defrauding millions of dollars from them. Now the Indian government is cracking down on this new cyber crime.

Measures taken by the country's telecom ministry include disconnecting 21.7 million mobile phone connections as well as blocking some 226,000 handsets.

Watch: Financial fraud top cybercrime in India

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An inter-ministerial panel has been set up, which includes the Home Ministry, Immigration Bureau, Financial Intelligence Unit, Reserve Bank of India, Information Technology Ministry, and National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Telecom operators have been asked to block incoming international "spoofed calls" that display Indian mobile numbers. Such dropped calls form 35 per cent of the incoming international calls.

The telecom firms are also told to give data on Indian mobile numbers using roaming facilities in Hong Kong, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines and Myanmar, The Indian Express said in a report on Monday (Sep 30).&nbsp;

It quoted a source as saying that 600,000 such phones were roaming in the Southeast Asia region in April-June this year.&nbsp;

<h2>Could tens of thousands of Indians be working for foreign cyber fraud companies?</h2>

Meanwhile, government data shows that 29,466 of the 73,138 Indians who travelled to Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam on visitor visas from January 2022 to May 2024 are yet to return.

The inter-ministerial panel has asked local governments in India to carry out thorough verifications about their backgrounds and whereabouts.

They predominantly hail from the states of Punjab (3,667), Maharashtra (3,233) and Tamil Nadu (3,124), said an Indian Express report.

Nearly 70 per cent of the 'disappeared' people had gone to Thailand from India.

<h2>Cyber slavery: 5,000 Indians are trapped in Cambodia</h2>

According to earlier Indian media reports, at least 5,000 Indians were trapped in Cambodia, the main centre of cyber slavery in Southeast Asia. Many of them had gone there thinking they were joining legitimate firms but were forced to engage in various cyber crimes.

Many of these crimes target Indians back home, often extorting money to the tune of more than 5 billion rupees. 
 
According to Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre data, 45 per cent of cyber crimes targeting Indians originate in Southeast Asia. Around 100,000 complaints have been registered with the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal since January 2023.

There have been several reports this year about Indians complaining about being trapped in Southeast Asian countries, being held against their will, or being rescued by government agencies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-cyber-crime-india-us-authorities-work-together-to-uncover-36mn-fraud-716680">Also read: Uttarakhand cyber crime: India, US authorities work together to uncover $36mn fraud</a>

In May, the government reported that 360 Indians working as cyber slaves in Cambodia were repatriated in the previous five months.

In August, it was reported that more than 1,000 people from the southern state of Tamil Nadu who went to Southeast Asian countries like&nbsp;Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos were possibly working as cyber slaves. Other origin states include Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Delhi.&nbsp;

In the same month, 47 Indians who were forced to run dating app scams were rescued in Laos.

Hundreds of them have been rescued so far by the Indian government or international organisations and NGOs.

<h2>What is cyber slavery?</h2>

According to the CyberPeace Foundation, cyber slavery is a modern form of slavery "that begins with online deception and evolves into physical human trafficking."

"It can take many different forms, such as coercive involvement in cybercrime, forced employment in online frauds, exploitation in the gig economy, or involuntary slavery."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cambodia-telecom-scam-gangs-traffic-taiwanese-push-them-into-cyber-slavery-509374">Also read: Cambodia: Telecom scam gangs traffic Taiwanese, push them into cyber slavery</a>

Indians were 'selected' for high-paying jobs, only to be forced to work 16 hours a day under severe conditions.&nbsp;

The illegal online work they are forced into includes money laundering, cryptocurrency fraud and dating/ love scams.&nbsp;

<h2>Cyber slavery modus operandi</h2>

According to Indian media reports, Indians from various states aged in their 20s and 30s are lured by cyber criminals for data entry jobs. Once they land in countries like Cambodia and Laos, their passports are taken away by these companies and then they are forced to make cyberfraud calls, mainly targeting Indians back home. &nbsp;

Many of these calls involve the online equivalent of honey trapping. The scammers ask the Indians to create fake social media profiles of women. The frauds range from cryptocurrency investments to dating.

Once the victims deposit money, they are ghosted and their numbers blocked.

(With inputs from agencies)

Cyber slavery has entrapped thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of Indians in Southeast Asia, where they're forced to work for online scammers targetting Indians at home and defrauding millions of dollars from them.

Cyber slavery has entrapped thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of Indians in Southeast Asia, where they're forced to work for online scammers targetting Indians at home and defrauding millions of dollars from them. Now the Indian government is cracking down on this new cyber crime. Measures taken by the country's telecom ministry include disconnecting 21.7 million mobile phone connections as well as blocking some 226,000 handsets. Watch: Financial fraud top cybercrime in India × An inter-ministerial panel has been set up, which includes the Home Ministry, Immigration Bureau, Financial Intelligence Unit, Reserve Bank of India, Information Technology Ministry, and National Investigation Agency (NIA). Telecom operators have been asked to block incoming international "spoofed calls" that display Indian mobile numbers. Such dropped calls form 35 per cent of the incoming international calls. The telecom firms are also told to give data on Indian mobile numbers using roaming facilities in Hong Kong, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines and Myanmar, The Indian Express said in a report on Monday (Sep 30). It quoted a source as saying that 600,000 such phones were roaming in the Southeast Asia region in April-June this year. Could tens of thousands of Indians be working for foreign cyber fraud companies? Meanwhile, government data shows that 29,466 of the 73,138 Indians who travelled to Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam on visitor visas from January 2022 to May 2024 are yet to return. The inter-ministerial panel has asked local governments in India to carry out thorough verifications about their backgrounds and whereabouts. They predominantly hail from the states of Punjab (3,667), Maharashtra (3,233) and Tamil Nadu (3,124), said an Indian Express report. Nearly 70 per cent of the 'disappeared' people had gone to Thailand from India. Cyber slavery: 5,000 Indians are trapped in Cambodia According to earlier Indian media reports, at least 5,000 Indians were trapped in Cambodia, the main centre of cyber slavery in Southeast Asia. Many of them had gone there thinking they were joining legitimate firms but were forced to engage in various cyber crimes. Many of these crimes target Indians back home, often extorting money to the tune of more than 5 billion rupees. According to Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre data, 45 per cent of cyber crimes targeting Indians originate in Southeast Asia. Around 100,000 complaints have been registered with the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal since January 2023. There have been several reports this year about Indians complaining about being trapped in Southeast Asian countries, being held against their will, or being rescued by government agencies. Also read: Uttarakhand cyber crime: India, US authorities work together to uncover $36mn fraud In May, the government reported that 360 Indians working as cyber slaves in Cambodia were repatriated in the previous five months. In August, it was reported that more than 1,000 people from the southern state of Tamil Nadu who went to Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos were possibly working as cyber slaves. Other origin states include Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Delhi. In the same month, 47 Indians who were forced to run dating app scams were rescued in Laos. Hundreds of them have been rescued so far by the Indian government or international organisations and NGOs. What is cyber slavery? According to the CyberPeace Foundation, cyber slavery is a modern form of slavery "that begins with online deception and evolves into physical human trafficking." "It can take many different forms, such as coercive involvement in cybercrime, forced employment in online frauds, exploitation in the gig economy, or involuntary slavery." Also read: Cambodia: Telecom scam gangs traffic Taiwanese, push them into cyber slavery Indians were 'selected' for high-paying jobs, only to be forced to work 16 hours a day under severe conditions. The illegal online work they are forced into includes money laundering, cryptocurrency fraud and dating/ love scams. Cyber slavery modus operandi According to Indian media reports, Indians from various states aged in their 20s and 30s are lured by cyber criminals for data entry jobs. Once they land in countries like Cambodia and Laos, their passports are taken away by these companies and then they are forced to make cyberfraud calls, mainly targeting Indians back home. Many of these calls involve the online equivalent of honey trapping. The scammers ask the Indians to create fake social media profiles of women. The frauds range from cryptocurrency investments to dating. Once the victims deposit money, they are ghosted and their numbers blocked. (With inputs from agencies)

Cyber slavery: Thousands of Indians are trapped and tens of thousands have gone missing in Southeast Asia

The Indian Railways, as per reports, is intensifying efforts to ensure passenger safety by collaborating with state governments, police chiefs, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). They are collaborating to identify miscreants attempting to disrupt train operations by placing objects on tracks, said Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday (Sep 24).

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:103,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1790}">Indian Railways on high alert</h2>

"The entire railway administration is on alert and is taking this matter seriously," said Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

"We are constantly in touch with all state governments. State DGPs, Home Secretaries, and the NIA are also involved," he added while talking to the press in Jaipur.

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The minister said that his ministry was coordinating with various railway zones and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) to investigate these incidents thoroughly.&nbsp;

"We will take strict action against anyone and everyone behind such illegal activities," he assured, adding that the administration was "working hard to ensure that no such incidents are repeated and that we can track down the offenders."

While the NIA has not formally registered a case related to recent sabotage incidents on railway tracks, an official, as per Indian media reports, indicated that they are informally investigating the matter.&nbsp;

"We look into all railways’ accidents informally and assist local police/other agencies in investigation to probe it from conspiracy angle," the official stated, adding that they are waiting for an official directive from the government to launch a comprehensive investigation.

This comes as earlier on Tuesday (Sep 24), three railway employees were arrested for allegedly&nbsp;carrying&nbsp;out sabotage themselves&nbsp;to get social media fame, promotion, and reward by raising alarm and alerting about&nbsp;it in time while putting several lives at risk.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anna-sebastian-perayil-case-ey-pune-operating-since-2007-without-required-permits-761615">Anna Sebastian Perayil case: EY Pune operating since 2007 without required permits, reveal authorities</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:633,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2320}">Railway tracks and harmful objects</h2>

This heightened vigilance follows multiple alarming incidents where railway drivers encountered dangerous objects on the tracks. For instance, on September 22, a goods train driver spotted a gas cylinder on the track and activated the emergency brakes just in time to avert a disaster.

Similar occurrences included the discovery of a damaged cylinder and other hazardous materials on September 15, just before the Kalindi Express arrived in Kanpur.

Additionally, on September 21, unidentified individuals removed a fishplate and key from a track in Uttar Pradesh, prompting&nbsp;alarm.&nbsp;In a separate incident, on Sunday, nine metal rods were found on the Bhatinda-Delhi route at around 3 am.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Railways, as per reports, is intensifying efforts to ensure passenger safety by collaborating with state governments, police chiefs, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The Indian Railways, as per reports, is intensifying efforts to ensure passenger safety by collaborating with state governments, police chiefs, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). They are collaborating to identify miscreants attempting to disrupt train operations by placing objects on tracks, said Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday (Sep 24). Indian Railways on high alert "The entire railway administration is on alert and is taking this matter seriously," said Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. "We are constantly in touch with all state governments. State DGPs, Home Secretaries, and the NIA are also involved," he added while talking to the press in Jaipur. Also read | Extra-judicial killing? Cop who shot Badlapur accused linked to ‘encounter specialist’ Pradeep Sharma The minister said that his ministry was coordinating with various railway zones and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) to investigate these incidents thoroughly. "We will take strict action against anyone and everyone behind such illegal activities," he assured, adding that the administration was "working hard to ensure that no such incidents are repeated and that we can track down the offenders." While the NIA has not formally registered a case related to recent sabotage incidents on railway tracks, an official, as per Indian media reports, indicated that they are informally investigating the matter. "We look into all railways’ accidents informally and assist local police/other agencies in investigation to probe it from conspiracy angle," the official stated, adding that they are waiting for an official directive from the government to launch a comprehensive investigation. This comes as earlier on Tuesday (Sep 24), three railway employees were arrested for allegedly carrying out sabotage themselves to get social media fame, promotion, and reward by raising alarm and alerting about it in time while putting several lives at risk. Also read | Anna Sebastian Perayil case: EY Pune operating since 2007 without required permits, reveal authorities Railway tracks and harmful objects This heightened vigilance follows multiple alarming incidents where railway drivers encountered dangerous objects on the tracks. For instance, on September 22, a goods train driver spotted a gas cylinder on the track and activated the emergency brakes just in time to avert a disaster. Similar occurrences included the discovery of a damaged cylinder and other hazardous materials on September 15, just before the Kalindi Express arrived in Kanpur. Additionally, on September 21, unidentified individuals removed a fishplate and key from a track in Uttar Pradesh, prompting alarm. In a separate incident, on Sunday, nine metal rods were found on the Bhatinda-Delhi route at around 3 am. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Railways ‘on high alert’, collaborates with NIA, police to stop rail track sabotage attempts

Two people associated with the global pan-Islamist and fundamentalist organisation Hizb-ut-Tahrir were taken into custody by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday (June 30).

Two people associated with the global pan-Islamist and fundamentalist organisation Hizb-ut-Tahrir were taken into custody by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday (June 30). The two men who have been detained are Abdul Rehman, also known as Abdul Rahman, and Mujibur Rehman, also known as Mujibur Rahman Altham Sahib. They are both from Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur district. The NIA conducted extensive searches at 10 locations across five districts of Tamil Nadu before making the arrests. The Hizb-ut-Tahrir is dedicated to restoring the Islamic caliphate and carrying out the constitution that its founder, Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani, drafted, according to a statement released by the NIA. Watch | India: 3 new criminal laws to replace colonial-era codes × "NIA investigations revealed that they were involved in conducting secret classes to radicalise youth into extremist ideologies, propagating anti-democratic sentiments against the Indian Constitution, law, and judiciary," the statement said. "Today's searches led to the seizure of digital devices (mobile phones, laptops, SIM cards and memory cards) and several incriminating documents, including books and printouts containing the ideology of Hizb-ut-Tahrir, Khilafa, Islamic State and proposed Khilafa government and its funding structures etc.," it added. Also read: Reasi terror attack: NIA raids multiple locations in Jammu & Kashmir’s Rajouri The NIA statement revealed that the organisation brainwashed the trainees by making them believe that India is presently "Darul Kufr," or the country of unbelievers, and that it is their religious obligation to convert it into "Darul Islam" by estabilishing an Islamic State through jihad. Mobile phones, laptops, SIM cards, memory cards, and other digital devices were confiscated by the NIA during the searches. They also found books and printouts that included ideaology of Hizb-ut-Tahrir, the Khilafa (caliphate), the structures of the Islamic State, and its funders. (With inputs from agencies)

NIA arrests Hizb-ut-Tahrir members, seizes extremist materials in Tamil Nadu raids

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched several places in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday in connection with the terrorist attack in Reasi that left nine people dead, including a toddler.&nbsp;

Terrorists had opened fire on a bus transporting pilgrims from Shiv Khori to Katra on June 9 in the Pouni region of the Reasi district, forcing the vehicle to crash.

On June 15, the NIA assumed control of the case under orders from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The raids in Rajouri were carried out based on information from Hakam Khan, also known as Hakin Din, a major suspect apprehended on June 19 in the terror incident.&nbsp;

In its preliminary investigation, the NIA revealed that Din supposedly gave the terrorists shelter, food, and logistical help.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi Mohita Sharma said that Din not only provided shelter to the assailants but also enabled their movements.

"The arrested person is a prime militant associate who helped the terrorists in the execution of the attack. Further interrogation and investigation of the case is going on," she said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-gandhi-sarovar-in-uttarakhands-kedarnath-hit-by-massive-avalanche-736500">Video: Gandhi Sarovar in Uttarakhand's Kedarnath hit by massive avalanche</a>

Din disclosed&nbsp;that three terrorists were staying at his home throughout, and added that the terrorists gave him ₹6,000.

Following a spate of terror incidents in June in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi assessed the security situation in the Union territory.&nbsp;

The government is "seriously" concerned about the recent terror incidents, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and no effort would be spared to get to the bottom of this investigation.

"The enemies of peace and humanity are not happy with the development in Jammu and Kashmir. There were some terror attacks recently... the government has taken it seriously. The Home Minister, with the J&amp;K Administration, has reviewed the situation," PM Modi said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched several places in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday in connection with the terrorist attack in Reasi that left nine people dead, including a toddler.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched several places in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday in connection with the terrorist attack in Reasi that left nine people dead, including a toddler. Terrorists had opened fire on a bus transporting pilgrims from Shiv Khori to Katra on June 9 in the Pouni region of the Reasi district, forcing the vehicle to crash. On June 15, the NIA assumed control of the case under orders from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The raids in Rajouri were carried out based on information from Hakam Khan, also known as Hakin Din, a major suspect apprehended on June 19 in the terror incident. In its preliminary investigation, the NIA revealed that Din supposedly gave the terrorists shelter, food, and logistical help. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi Mohita Sharma said that Din not only provided shelter to the assailants but also enabled their movements. "The arrested person is a prime militant associate who helped the terrorists in the execution of the attack. Further interrogation and investigation of the case is going on," she said. Also read: Video: Gandhi Sarovar in Uttarakhand's Kedarnath hit by massive avalanche Din disclosed that three terrorists were staying at his home throughout, and added that the terrorists gave him ₹6,000. Following a spate of terror incidents in June in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi assessed the security situation in the Union territory. The government is "seriously" concerned about the recent terror incidents, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and no effort would be spared to get to the bottom of this investigation. "The enemies of peace and humanity are not happy with the development in Jammu and Kashmir. There were some terror attacks recently... the government has taken it seriously. The Home Minister, with the J&K Administration, has reviewed the situation," PM Modi said. (With inputs from agencies)

Reasi terror attack: NIA raids multiple locations in Jammu & Kashmir’s Rajouri

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has detained two key suspects in connection with the Rameshwaram cafe blast that occurred in March in Karnataka's Bengaluru.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has detained two key suspects in connection with the Rameshwaram cafe blast that occurred in March in Karnataka's Bengaluru. According to the NIA, the detainees include Mussavir Hussain Shazeb, the man who placed the IED at Rameshwaram cafe, and Abdul Matheen Taha, the 'mastermind' behind the incident. "The absconders in the Rameswaram Cafe blast case, Abdul Matheen Taha and Mussavir Hussain Shazib, were traced to their hideout near Kolkata and apprehended by an NIA team. In the early morning hours of April 12, the NIA successfully traced the absconding accused near Kolkata, where they were hiding under false identities," the NIA statement said. "Mussavir Hussain Shazib is the accused who placed the IED at the café, and Abdul Matheen Taha is the mastermind behind the planning, execution of the blast, and subsequent evasion from the clutches of law," NIA added. Also read: Karnataka minister sparks controversy with claim of BJP worker's arrest in Rameshwaram cafe blast case "This pursuit, successfully accomplished by NIA, was ably supported by energetic coordinated action and cooperation between NIA, Central Intelligence agencies, and State Police agencies of West Bengal, Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala police," the agency added. The absconders in the Rameswaram Cafe blast case, Adbul Matheen Taha and Mussavir Hussain Shazeb were traced out to their hideout near Kolkata and were apprehended by the NIA team. Mussavir Hussain Shazib is the accused who placed the IED at the Café and Abdul Matheen Taha is… pic.twitter.com/gZ3odYGq7N — ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2024 × The NIA, after reviewing CCTV footage from over 300 cameras, concluded that the detainees were ISIS members who had emerged on the radar of security agencies in 2020. When did the Rameshwaram Cafe blast happen? The Rameshwaram Cafe in the Whitefield area of Bengaluru occurred on March 1 and injured nine people. NIA took over the case on March 3 following a visit to the blast site. The NIA earlier released the photograph of the suspect and announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information. The agency took the images from CCTV footage at the explosion site. "NIA announces a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh for information about the bomber in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast case of Bengaluru. The informants' identities will be kept confidential," NIA wrote on X.

Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe blast: NIA nabs 'mastermind' and man who planted IED from near Kolkata

Police in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal booked officials of the federal National Investigation Agency (NIA) under charges of molestation after they were attacked in East Medinipur on Saturday (Apr 6) during the raid and investigation of a 2022 blast.

NIA officers were charged under sections 354 (molestation) and 441 (trespassing) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the Bhupatinagar police station of East Medinipur. The FIR was filed following complaints by family members of the arrested accused and All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) worker Manabroto Jana. TMC is currently in power in West Bengal, led by the CM Mamata Banerjee.

As per the complaint, NIA officials molested women by breaking the doors of their houses late at night.

Earlier, the NIA also filed a case at Bhupatinagar police station in relation to the attack on them by locals. No one has been arrested in the case so far.

<h2>NIA refutes allegations</h2>

Following the accusations, the NIA team refuted claims and asserted that the attack was "unprovoked." The agency, in a statement on Sunday (Apr 8) said, “NIA made it clear that its actions were bona fide, lawful and legally mandated, as part of its ongoing investigation into the heinous crime related to the fabrication of crude bombs… NIA has reiterated that its team had come under violent attack by an unruly mob when they had gone to conduct searches in Naruabila village on Saturday in connection with its probe in said case.”

<h2>Its an attack on the Indian Constitution, says BJP</h2>

The NIA team was attacked after they arrested two TMC workers in connection with the December 3, 2022 blast which killed three people. Balai Maiti and Manobrata Jana were picked up by the federal agency for investigation. However, their vehicles were soon attacked, resulting in minor injuries to at least two NIA officers.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned the West Bengal government for the attack, calling it an attack on the Indian Constitution.

“Attacking a Central agency means attacking the Indian Constitution. Booking NIA officials under molestation charges for performing their duties is an indication of the collapse of all constitutional bodies. They have launched a war against the Indian Constitution,” said BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya.

Opposition party CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty also criticised the Mamata administration for filing cases against NIA officials.

“The State government is provoking. The NIA attacked, but the police didn’t arrest anyone involved in that incident. Rather they have booked NIA officials. It is so unfortunate. What do you expect when the CM herself is sending a message that the central agency cannot act against them,” said Chakraborty.

<h2>Reaction by West Bengal CM</h2>

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the NIA's actions and alleged that the central agencies are biased towards the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-team-attacked-in-bengals-east-medinipur-officer-injured-during-raid-708369">Also read:&nbsp;NIA team attacked in West Bengal’s East Medinipur during raid, officer injured</a>

"Why did they raid at midnight? Did they have police permission? Locals reacted in the way they would have if any other stranger had visited the place at midnight. Why are they arresting people right before the elections? What does the BJP think, that they will arrest every booth agent? What right does NIA have? They are doing all these to support the BJP. We call upon the entire world to fight against this BJP's dirty politics," questioned Banerjee.

(With inputs from agencies)

Police in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal booked officials of the federal National Investigation Agency (NIA) under charges of molestation after they were attacked in East Medinipur on Saturday (Apr 6) during the raid and investigation of a 2022 blast.

Police in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal booked officials of the federal National Investigation Agency (NIA) under charges of molestation after they were attacked in East Medinipur on Saturday (Apr 6) during the raid and investigation of a 2022 blast. NIA officers were charged under sections 354 (molestation) and 441 (trespassing) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the Bhupatinagar police station of East Medinipur. The FIR was filed following complaints by family members of the arrested accused and All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) worker Manabroto Jana. TMC is currently in power in West Bengal, led by the CM Mamata Banerjee. As per the complaint, NIA officials molested women by breaking the doors of their houses late at night. Earlier, the NIA also filed a case at Bhupatinagar police station in relation to the attack on them by locals. No one has been arrested in the case so far. NIA refutes allegations Following the accusations, the NIA team refuted claims and asserted that the attack was "unprovoked." The agency, in a statement on Sunday (Apr 8) said, “NIA made it clear that its actions were bona fide, lawful and legally mandated, as part of its ongoing investigation into the heinous crime related to the fabrication of crude bombs… NIA has reiterated that its team had come under violent attack by an unruly mob when they had gone to conduct searches in Naruabila village on Saturday in connection with its probe in said case.” Its an attack on the Indian Constitution, says BJP The NIA team was attacked after they arrested two TMC workers in connection with the December 3, 2022 blast which killed three people. Balai Maiti and Manobrata Jana were picked up by the federal agency for investigation. However, their vehicles were soon attacked, resulting in minor injuries to at least two NIA officers. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned the West Bengal government for the attack, calling it an attack on the Indian Constitution. “Attacking a Central agency means attacking the Indian Constitution. Booking NIA officials under molestation charges for performing their duties is an indication of the collapse of all constitutional bodies. They have launched a war against the Indian Constitution,” said BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya. Opposition party CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty also criticised the Mamata administration for filing cases against NIA officials. “The State government is provoking. The NIA attacked, but the police didn’t arrest anyone involved in that incident. Rather they have booked NIA officials. It is so unfortunate. What do you expect when the CM herself is sending a message that the central agency cannot act against them,” said Chakraborty. Reaction by West Bengal CM Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the NIA's actions and alleged that the central agencies are biased towards the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Also read: NIA team attacked in West Bengal’s East Medinipur during raid, officer injured "Why did they raid at midnight? Did they have police permission? Locals reacted in the way they would have if any other stranger had visited the place at midnight. Why are they arresting people right before the elections? What does the BJP think, that they will arrest every booth agent? What right does NIA have? They are doing all these to support the BJP. We call upon the entire world to fight against this BJP's dirty politics," questioned Banerjee. (With inputs from agencies)

India: NIA officials attacked during raid booked for ‘molestation’ by West Bengal police

The accused male behind the blast at the famous Rameshwaram Cafe in the Indian city of Bengaluru visited the eatery many times before planting the explosive, according to reports quoting sources from the Bengaluru Municipal Transport Corporation (BMTC).

The accused male behind the blast at the famous Rameshwaram Cafe in the Indian city of Bengaluru visited the eatery many times before planting the explosive, according to reports quoting sources from the Bengaluru Municipal Transport Corporation (BMTC). The sources said that the man changed BMTC buses 10 to 15 times before he got down at the cafe. He travelled comfortably in the buses without any suspicion. They added that officials were now looking at the CCTV cameras inside the buses. The explosion that injured 10 On March 1, at least 10 people were injured at the cafe after the man, reported to be aged between 28 to 30, came to the eatery and left a bag that had an improvised explosive device (IED). The suspect ordered idli at 11:38 am local time. Six minutes later, he reached the hand wash area of the cafe and placed the IED-laden bag. Also read | Possible link between Rameshwaram cafe blast, Mangaluru explosion, says K'taka deputy CM At 11:45 am, he left the cafe and the blast took place at 12.56 pm. As per authorities, the injured included customers as well as the cafe's staff. In a photograph released by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the accused was seen wearing a black cap, black trousers, and black shoes. The Bengaluru Police registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosive Substances Act in connection with the explosion. NIA announces bounty for details about bomber On Wednesday, the NIA announced a bounty of around $12,000 (Rs 10 lakh) for any details about the bomber. In a post on X, the NIA said, "NIA announces cash reward of 10 lakh rupees for information about bomber in Rameshwaram Cafe blast case of Bengaluru. Informants' identity will be kept confidential." NIA announces cash reward of 10 lakh rupees for information about bomber in Rameshwaram Cafe blast case of Bengaluru. Informants identity will be kept confidential. pic.twitter.com/F4kYophJFt — NIA India (@NIA_India) March 6, 2024 × The agency, which has taken charge of the case, requested to pass on the details through its email "info.blr.nia@gov.in" or contact on the following numbers- 080-29510900 and 8904241100. Earlier, an NIA team visited the explosion site in Bengaluru's Whitefield area. (With inputs from agencies)

Bengaluru cafe blast: Accused visited eatery many times before planting explosive

India's anti-terror agency declared a significant breakthrough in identifying 43 Khalistan supporters linked to acts of vandalism against Indian high commissions in the UK, US, and Canada. The National Investigative Agency (NIA) attributed its success to an innovative approach to crowd-sourcing information.

In its comprehensive year-end review for 2023, the agency said it conducted more than 50 raids and searches.

It examined 80 individuals in India suspected of involvement in the conspiracy behind overseas attacks on Indian interests. In total, more than 1,000 raids were conducted.

As part of its achievements in 2023, the NIA boasted a remarkable conviction rate of 94.7 per cent.&nbsp;

With 625 arrests and the attachment of 240 assets valued at approximately ₹56 crore (about $7 million), the NIA&nbsp;continued to combat&nbsp;acts of terrorism, gang activities, drug smuggling, human trafficking and other criminal operations that pose threats to India's national interests.

Also read |&nbsp;India: NIA scaled up crackdown on terror networks in 2023, conducted over 1000 raid

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The NIA's operations saw a 28 per cent rise in arrests, reaching 625 compared to 490 in the previous year, said the annual review.&nbsp;

On terrorism, while 65 accused were arrested this year for links to Islamic State,&nbsp;114 were arrested for jihadi terror cases, 45 in human trafficking cases, 28 for terrorist and organised criminal activity, and 76 in Left-wing Extremism-related (LWE) cases. 
&nbsp; 
The number of people chargesheeted and convicted in NIA cases stood at 513 and 74 respectively, as against 459 and 79 in 2022.

The NIA managed to track down and arrest 47 accused in 2023, 14 more than last year.

Also, arrests were made upon deportation and extradition, including those of Amritpal Singh alias Ammy, Amrik Singh, Manpreet Singh alias Peeta, and Mandeep Singh who was deported from the Philippines. Most of these are Khalistan supporters.

Vikram Brar, a Punjabi gangster,&nbsp;was arrested upon deportation from the United Arab Emirates.

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

The NIA report shows a considerable escalation in investigations throughout 2023.

The focus on investigations of attacks on Indian missions in the United States and Canada shows the way the corresponding <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-for-new-delhi-a-silver-lining-in-ottawas-assassination-accusation-639207">diplomatic showdown</a> between India and these countries, especially in the second half of 2023.&nbsp;

India's anti-terror agency declared a significant breakthrough in identifying 43 Khalistan supporters linked to acts of vandalism against Indian high commissions in the UK, US, and Canada.

India's anti-terror agency declared a significant breakthrough in identifying 43 Khalistan supporters linked to acts of vandalism against Indian high commissions in the UK, US, and Canada. The National Investigative Agency (NIA) attributed its success to an innovative approach to crowd-sourcing information. In its comprehensive year-end review for 2023, the agency said it conducted more than 50 raids and searches. It examined 80 individuals in India suspected of involvement in the conspiracy behind overseas attacks on Indian interests. In total, more than 1,000 raids were conducted. As part of its achievements in 2023, the NIA boasted a remarkable conviction rate of 94.7 per cent. With 625 arrests and the attachment of 240 assets valued at approximately ₹56 crore (about $7 million), the NIA continued to combat acts of terrorism, gang activities, drug smuggling, human trafficking and other criminal operations that pose threats to India's national interests. Also read | India: NIA scaled up crackdown on terror networks in 2023, conducted over 1000 raid × The NIA's operations saw a 28 per cent rise in arrests, reaching 625 compared to 490 in the previous year, said the annual review. On terrorism, while 65 accused were arrested this year for links to Islamic State, 114 were arrested for jihadi terror cases, 45 in human trafficking cases, 28 for terrorist and organised criminal activity, and 76 in Left-wing Extremism-related (LWE) cases. The number of people chargesheeted and convicted in NIA cases stood at 513 and 74 respectively, as against 459 and 79 in 2022. The NIA managed to track down and arrest 47 accused in 2023, 14 more than last year. Also, arrests were made upon deportation and extradition, including those of Amritpal Singh alias Ammy, Amrik Singh, Manpreet Singh alias Peeta, and Mandeep Singh who was deported from the Philippines. Most of these are Khalistan supporters. Vikram Brar, a Punjabi gangster, was arrested upon deportation from the United Arab Emirates. What does it mean? The NIA report shows a considerable escalation in investigations throughout 2023. The focus on investigations of attacks on Indian missions in the United States and Canada shows the way the corresponding diplomatic showdown between India and these countries, especially in the second half of 2023.

India's anti-terror agency NIA achieved 95 pc conviction rate in 2023

India’s federal anti-terror National Investigation Agency (NIA) launched raids at 31 locations Saturday (Sept 16) to detect and thwart a radicalisation and recruitment drive organised by global terror group ISIS.

The locations were raided across the south Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Telangana, during which several digital devices, documents and incriminating books in vernacular and Arabic languages, and Rs 60 lakh, as well as $18,200 in cash, were seized.

The agency will now investigate the data stored on the seized devices.

<h2>'Khilafat' ideology</h2>

As per officials from NIA, the ISIS-inspired agents were engaged in the propagation of the 'Khilafat' ideology, which is inimical to India's constitutionally established principles of secularism and democracy.

The agency raided at least 26 locations in Tamil Nadu while other five sites were raided in Telangana’s Hyderabad.

"The radicalisation was being carried out in the garb of holding Arabic language classes through their Regional Study Centres. Such radicalisation activities were being flashed through social media platforms and online messaging services like WhatsApp and Telegram," a spokesperson for the NIA said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-20-individuals-and-29-companies-for-facilitating-isis-and-al-qaeda-in-maldives-621393">Also read:&nbsp;US sanctions 20 individuals and 29 companies for facilitating ISIS and Al Qaeda in Maldives</a>

“The searches were conducted in connection with a case, registered by NIA Chennai under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, that pertains to clandestine operations by a group of individuals to radicalise vulnerable youth,” the official said.

<h2>Case related to 2022 Coimbatore blast</h2>

The group of persons involved in the case had entered into a conspiracy to radicalise and recruit youth who were later found involved in terrorist as well as unlawful acts and activities. One such terror attack related to the Coimbatore car bomb blast case of October 23 of last year, the agency revealed.

Watch:&nbsp;US: Dr Masood accused of attempting to provide material support to ISIS

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The official stated that the investigations in this case are ongoing as part of the NIA's determined efforts to prevent ISIS from recruiting vulnerable and impressionable young individuals into their terrorist network.&nbsp;

This network is actively engaged in spreading terror within the country, with the overarching goal of destabilising its peace and communal harmony.

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&nbsp;

India’s federal anti-terror National Investigation Agency (NIA) launched raids at 31 locations Saturday (Sept 16) to detect and thwart a radicalisation and recruitment drive organised by global terror group ISIS.

India’s federal anti-terror National Investigation Agency (NIA) launched raids at 31 locations Saturday (Sept 16) to detect and thwart a radicalisation and recruitment drive organised by global terror group ISIS. The locations were raided across the south Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Telangana, during which several digital devices, documents and incriminating books in vernacular and Arabic languages, and Rs 60 lakh, as well as $18,200 in cash, were seized. The agency will now investigate the data stored on the seized devices. 'Khilafat' ideology As per officials from NIA, the ISIS-inspired agents were engaged in the propagation of the 'Khilafat' ideology, which is inimical to India's constitutionally established principles of secularism and democracy. The agency raided at least 26 locations in Tamil Nadu while other five sites were raided in Telangana’s Hyderabad. "The radicalisation was being carried out in the garb of holding Arabic language classes through their Regional Study Centres. Such radicalisation activities were being flashed through social media platforms and online messaging services like WhatsApp and Telegram," a spokesperson for the NIA said. Also read: US sanctions 20 individuals and 29 companies for facilitating ISIS and Al Qaeda in Maldives “The searches were conducted in connection with a case, registered by NIA Chennai under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, that pertains to clandestine operations by a group of individuals to radicalise vulnerable youth,” the official said. Case related to 2022 Coimbatore blast The group of persons involved in the case had entered into a conspiracy to radicalise and recruit youth who were later found involved in terrorist as well as unlawful acts and activities. One such terror attack related to the Coimbatore car bomb blast case of October 23 of last year, the agency revealed. Watch: US: Dr Masood accused of attempting to provide material support to ISIS × The official stated that the investigations in this case are ongoing as part of the NIA's determined efforts to prevent ISIS from recruiting vulnerable and impressionable young individuals into their terrorist network. This network is actively engaged in spreading terror within the country, with the overarching goal of destabilising its peace and communal harmony. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India’s anti-terror agency NIA conducts raids, thwarts radicalisation, recruitment drive of ISIS

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested six people, including members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, in nationwide raids. These arrests come during NIA raids at 76 locations across eight states to bust the known terrorist-gangster-drug smuggler nexus.

The six people arrested by the NIA include Lucky Khokhar aka Denis, who is a close associate of Canada-based 'designated terrorist', Arshdeep Singh aka Arsh Dalla. Others arrested in the raids, which were carried out in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, NCR, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, include associates of gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi, Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Goldy Brar. 
 
Khokhar, a resident of Bhatinda, Punjab, who was nabbed from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, on Tuesday, was in direct and frequent contact with Arsh Dalla in Canada and had carried out recruitment for him and received funds from him for carrying out terror-related activities. He had provided arms and ammunition to Arsh Dalla's associates in Punjab on his directions, which were also used for carrying out the recent killing in Jagraon, Punjab on Dalla's directions.

NIA had registered a suo-moto case on August 20 last year against seven people, including Harwinder Singh aka Rinda, Lakhbir Singh Sandhu aka Landa, and Arshdeep Singh aka Arsh Dalla. One person, Deepak Ranga, was earlier arrested in the case by the NIA.

According to an NIA spokesperson, Khokhar was working for Dalla, who has been involved in smuggling arms, ammunition, explosives, IEDs etc. across international and inter-state borders in India for several Khalistani terror outfits, including the Khalistan Liberation Force, Babbar Khalsa International and International Sikh Youth Federation. 
 
Besides Khokhar, the NIA also arrested Lakhvir Singh, a resident of Gidderbaha, Muktsar, Punjab; Harpreet, a resident of Nihal Singh Wala, Moga, Punjab; Dalip Bishnoi, a resident of Bishanpura Abohar, Dist Fazilka, Punjab; Surinder aka Chiku&nbsp;Chaudhary, a resident of Mahendragarh, Haryana and Hari Om aka Titu, a resident of Gurugram, Haryana. 
 
While Hari Om aka Titu was arrested on Tuesday, Lakhvir Singh was nabbed a day later on Wednesday in connection with a case registered against them and their associates in August last year for allegedly attempting to motivate and recruit youth for terror activities by using social media.

They were also using social media to 'publicise' their crimes in a bid to create fear among the general public. Nine weapons were recovered from Lakhvir's possession. He is a notorious criminal and an associate of Chhotu Ram Bhaat, who was arrested earlier. The NIA has so far arrested nine accused, including Kaushal Choudhary, Amit Dagar, Sukhpreet Singh, Bhupi Rana, Neeraj Bawana, Naveen Bali and Sunil Balyan, in this case. 
 
According to the spokesperson, Surender Chaudhary and Dalip Bishnoi&nbsp;are known associates of gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Canada-based criminal, Goldy Brar.

They were arrested for raising funds, recruiting youth and carrying out terrorist acts on behalf of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. This case was also registered by the NIA in August last year and 10 accused, including Lawrence Bishnoi, Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, Kala Jatheri, Kala Rana, Joginder Singh, Rajesh Kumar, Raju Basoudi, Anil Chippi, Naresh Yadav, and Shahbaz Ansari have been arrested.

The spokesperson said Surinder Chaudhry&nbsp;was arrested on Tuesday for attempts to murder and extortion and also faces several cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) Act. He has been involved in illegal liquor contracts, smuggling and extortion from liquor and mining contractors in Haryana and has been one of the main financers of terror-gangster syndicates.

Dalip Bishnoi, who was arrested on Wednesday, is a habitual criminal having 13 cases against him. He has been one of the main financers of this terror gang and was providing logistics support to the gangs in Punjab and Rajasthan.

The NIA investigations have also revealed that many criminals, who were leading gangsters in India, had fled to countries like Pakistan, Canada, Malaysia, Philippines and Australia and were planning their terror and criminal acts from there, in association with criminals lodged in jails in different states. These groups were carrying out targeted killings and raising funds for their nefarious activities through smuggling of drugs and weapons, hawala and extortion. Further investigations are on to dismantle such terror networks and their funding and support infrastructure. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested six people, including members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, in nationwide raids. These arrests come during NIA raids at 76 locations across eight states to bust the known terrorist-gangster-drug smuggler nexus.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested six people, including members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, in nationwide raids. These arrests come during NIA raids at 76 locations across eight states to bust the known terrorist-gangster-drug smuggler nexus. The six people arrested by the NIA include Lucky Khokhar aka Denis, who is a close associate of Canada-based 'designated terrorist', Arshdeep Singh aka Arsh Dalla. Others arrested in the raids, which were carried out in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, NCR, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, include associates of gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi, Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Goldy Brar. Khokhar, a resident of Bhatinda, Punjab, who was nabbed from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, on Tuesday, was in direct and frequent contact with Arsh Dalla in Canada and had carried out recruitment for him and received funds from him for carrying out terror-related activities. He had provided arms and ammunition to Arsh Dalla's associates in Punjab on his directions, which were also used for carrying out the recent killing in Jagraon, Punjab on Dalla's directions. NIA had registered a suo-moto case on August 20 last year against seven people, including Harwinder Singh aka Rinda, Lakhbir Singh Sandhu aka Landa, and Arshdeep Singh aka Arsh Dalla. One person, Deepak Ranga, was earlier arrested in the case by the NIA. According to an NIA spokesperson, Khokhar was working for Dalla, who has been involved in smuggling arms, ammunition, explosives, IEDs etc. across international and inter-state borders in India for several Khalistani terror outfits, including the Khalistan Liberation Force, Babbar Khalsa International and International Sikh Youth Federation. Besides Khokhar, the NIA also arrested Lakhvir Singh, a resident of Gidderbaha, Muktsar, Punjab; Harpreet, a resident of Nihal Singh Wala, Moga, Punjab; Dalip Bishnoi, a resident of Bishanpura Abohar, Dist Fazilka, Punjab; Surinder aka Chiku Chaudhary, a resident of Mahendragarh, Haryana and Hari Om aka Titu, a resident of Gurugram, Haryana. While Hari Om aka Titu was arrested on Tuesday, Lakhvir Singh was nabbed a day later on Wednesday in connection with a case registered against them and their associates in August last year for allegedly attempting to motivate and recruit youth for terror activities by using social media. They were also using social media to 'publicise' their crimes in a bid to create fear among the general public. Nine weapons were recovered from Lakhvir's possession. He is a notorious criminal and an associate of Chhotu Ram Bhaat, who was arrested earlier. The NIA has so far arrested nine accused, including Kaushal Choudhary, Amit Dagar, Sukhpreet Singh, Bhupi Rana, Neeraj Bawana, Naveen Bali and Sunil Balyan, in this case. According to the spokesperson, Surender Chaudhary and Dalip Bishnoi are known associates of gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Canada-based criminal, Goldy Brar. They were arrested for raising funds, recruiting youth and carrying out terrorist acts on behalf of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. This case was also registered by the NIA in August last year and 10 accused, including Lawrence Bishnoi, Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, Kala Jatheri, Kala Rana, Joginder Singh, Rajesh Kumar, Raju Basoudi, Anil Chippi, Naresh Yadav, and Shahbaz Ansari have been arrested. The spokesperson said Surinder Chaudhry was arrested on Tuesday for attempts to murder and extortion and also faces several cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) Act. He has been involved in illegal liquor contracts, smuggling and extortion from liquor and mining contractors in Haryana and has been one of the main financers of terror-gangster syndicates. Dalip Bishnoi, who was arrested on Wednesday, is a habitual criminal having 13 cases against him. He has been one of the main financers of this terror gang and was providing logistics support to the gangs in Punjab and Rajasthan. The NIA investigations have also revealed that many criminals, who were leading gangsters in India, had fled to countries like Pakistan, Canada, Malaysia, Philippines and Australia and were planning their terror and criminal acts from there, in association with criminals lodged in jails in different states. These groups were carrying out targeted killings and raising funds for their nefarious activities through smuggling of drugs and weapons, hawala and extortion. Further investigations are on to dismantle such terror networks and their funding and support infrastructure. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Lawrence Bishnoi gang members among 6 arrested in NIA raids against gangster-terrorist nexus

US State Department report on global terrorism revealed that Pakistan made "limited progress" on the most difficult aspects of its 2015 National Action Plan to counter-terrorism as it had pledged to dismantle terrorist organisations operating inside the country without "delay or discrimination".&nbsp;

The 2020 Country Reports on Terrorism, which was issued on Thursday (December 16), stated that terrorist groups continued to operate from Pakistan regionally.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that groups targeting India, including LeT and its affiliated front organisations and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) continued to operate from Pakistani territory.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gwadar-protesters-call-off-stir-after-pakistan-govt-accepts-all-of-their-demands-437514">Gwadar protesters call off stir after Pakistan govt accepts ‘all of their demands’</a>

The report specifically mentioned that Pakistan did not take action against JeM founder and UN-designated terrorist Masood Azhar and 2008 Mumbai attack "project manager" Sajid Mir. As per the report, both are believed to remain free in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Although, the report does mention that Pakistan contributed to the Afghanistan peace process. Pakistan made additional progress in 2020 toward completing its Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Action Plan. However, &nbsp;the country remained on the FATF "gray list" as it did not complete all Action Plan items.&nbsp;

The report also highlighted the functioning of some madrassas in Pakistan, which has remained a matter of discussion over the years. The report stated that such that some unregulated madrassas continued to teach violent extremist doctrine.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rewind-2021-when-taliban-in-afghanistan-became-the-new-normal-437572">Rewind 2021: When Taliban in Afghanistan became the 'new normal'</a>

"While the government continued efforts to increase madrassa regulation, some analysts and madrassa reform proponents observed that many madrassas failed to register with the government, provide documentation of their sources of funding, or comply with laws governing acceptance of foreign students," a part of the report read.&nbsp;

On the release of the report, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "The report's Annex of Statistical Info shows that both the number&nbsp;of terrorist attacks and&nbsp;overall number&nbsp;of fatalities resulting from those attacks increased by more than 10% in 2020 compared with 2019."&nbsp;

Indian counterterrorism forces

Mentioning the Indian counterterrorism forces, such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the report commended India for actively detecting and disrupting transnational and regional terror forces.

"Indian counterterrorism forces, at the federal and state levels, actively detected and disrupted transnational and regional terror forces," the report read.&nbsp;

"The National Investigation Agency (NIA) examined 34 terrorism-related cases related to ISIS and arrested 160 persons, including 10 alleged al-Qaeda operatives from Kerala and West Bengal, in September,"? the report added.

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US-India cooperation

Mentioning the cooperation with India, the report stated that the United States continues to build strategic partnerships with India. Through bilateral engagements such as the 17th Counterterrorism Joint Working Group and Third Designations Dialogue in September, as well as the third 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in October.&nbsp;

Overall, the report stated that during 2020, the United States and its partners made significant major strides against terrorist organisations. It added that the terrorism threat has become more geographically dispersed in regions around the world.&nbsp;

US State Department report on global terrorism revealed that Pakistan made "limited progress" on the most difficult aspects of its 2015 National Action Plan to counter-terrorism as it had pledged to dismantle terrorist organisations operating inside the country without "delay or discrimination".

US State Department report on global terrorism revealed that Pakistan made "limited progress" on the most difficult aspects of its 2015 National Action Plan to counter-terrorism as it had pledged to dismantle terrorist organisations operating inside the country without "delay or discrimination". The 2020 Country Reports on Terrorism, which was issued on Thursday (December 16), stated that terrorist groups continued to operate from Pakistan regionally. The report mentioned that groups targeting India, including LeT and its affiliated front organisations and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) continued to operate from Pakistani territory. ALSO READ | Gwadar protesters call off stir after Pakistan govt accepts ‘all of their demands’ The report specifically mentioned that Pakistan did not take action against JeM founder and UN-designated terrorist Masood Azhar and 2008 Mumbai attack "project manager" Sajid Mir. As per the report, both are believed to remain free in Pakistan. Although, the report does mention that Pakistan contributed to the Afghanistan peace process. Pakistan made additional progress in 2020 toward completing its Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Action Plan. However, the country remained on the FATF "gray list" as it did not complete all Action Plan items. The report also highlighted the functioning of some madrassas in Pakistan, which has remained a matter of discussion over the years. The report stated that such that some unregulated madrassas continued to teach violent extremist doctrine. ALSO READ | Rewind 2021: When Taliban in Afghanistan became the 'new normal' "While the government continued efforts to increase madrassa regulation, some analysts and madrassa reform proponents observed that many madrassas failed to register with the government, provide documentation of their sources of funding, or comply with laws governing acceptance of foreign students," a part of the report read. On the release of the report, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "The report's Annex of Statistical Info shows that both the number of terrorist attacks and overall number of fatalities resulting from those attacks increased by more than 10% in 2020 compared with 2019." Indian counterterrorism forces Mentioning the Indian counterterrorism forces, such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the report commended India for actively detecting and disrupting transnational and regional terror forces. "Indian counterterrorism forces, at the federal and state levels, actively detected and disrupted transnational and regional terror forces," the report read. "The National Investigation Agency (NIA) examined 34 terrorism-related cases related to ISIS and arrested 160 persons, including 10 alleged al-Qaeda operatives from Kerala and West Bengal, in September,"? the report added. × US-India cooperation Mentioning the cooperation with India, the report stated that the United States continues to build strategic partnerships with India. Through bilateral engagements such as the 17th Counterterrorism Joint Working Group and Third Designations Dialogue in September, as well as the third 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in October. Overall, the report stated that during 2020, the United States and its partners made significant major strides against terrorist organisations. It added that the terrorism threat has become more geographically dispersed in regions around the world.

Pakistan didn't take action against terrorists as groups targeting India continue to operate: US report

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) said on Saturday it has arrested nine al Qaeda militants who were planning attacks in several locations including the capital New Delhi.

"The group was planning to undertake terrorist attacks at vital installations in India with an aim to kill innocent people and strike terror in their minds," the country's main counter-terrorism arm said in a statement.

Simultaneous raids were conducted&nbsp;on early Saturday morning at several locations in Murshidabad of West Bengal and Ernakulam of Kerala.

Six of the militants were arrested in West Bengal and while three in Kerala, the NIA said, adding the individuals were "associated with Pakistan sponsored module of al Qaeda".

All terrorists arrested are linked to a terror plot. The group was planning to undertake terrorist attacks at vital installations in India with an aim to kill innocent people and strike terror in their minds, NIA said in a statement.

Large quantity of incriminating materials including digital devices, documents, jihadi literature, sharp weapons, country-made firearms, a locally fabricated body armour, articles and literature used for making home-made explosive devices have been seized from their possession.&nbsp;

As per preliminary investigation, these individuals were radicalised by Pakistan-based Al-Qaeda terrorists on social media and were motivated to undertake attacks at multiple places including the National Capital Region, NIA added.

India has stepped up an offensive against militants in the Muslim-majority region of Kashmir and elsewhere.

Last year, Indian forces killed the leader of an al Qaeda-affiliated militant group in Kashmir, triggering protests in parts of the disputed region.

​The arrested terrorists will be produced before the concerned Courts in Kerala and West Bengal for police custody and further investigation.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) said on Saturday it has arrested nine al Qaeda militants who were planning attacks in several locations including the capital New Delhi.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) said on Saturday it has arrested nine al Qaeda militants who were planning attacks in several locations including the capital New Delhi. "The group was planning to undertake terrorist attacks at vital installations in India with an aim to kill innocent people and strike terror in their minds," the country's main counter-terrorism arm said in a statement. Simultaneous raids were conducted on early Saturday morning at several locations in Murshidabad of West Bengal and Ernakulam of Kerala. Six of the militants were arrested in West Bengal and while three in Kerala, the NIA said, adding the individuals were "associated with Pakistan sponsored module of al Qaeda". All terrorists arrested are linked to a terror plot. The group was planning to undertake terrorist attacks at vital installations in India with an aim to kill innocent people and strike terror in their minds, NIA said in a statement. Large quantity of incriminating materials including digital devices, documents, jihadi literature, sharp weapons, country-made firearms, a locally fabricated body armour, articles and literature used for making home-made explosive devices have been seized from their possession. As per preliminary investigation, these individuals were radicalised by Pakistan-based Al-Qaeda terrorists on social media and were motivated to undertake attacks at multiple places including the National Capital Region, NIA added. India has stepped up an offensive against militants in the Muslim-majority region of Kashmir and elsewhere. Last year, Indian forces killed the leader of an al Qaeda-affiliated militant group in Kashmir, triggering protests in parts of the disputed region. The arrested terrorists will be produced before the concerned Courts in Kerala and West Bengal for police custody and further investigation.

NIA arrests nine Al-Qaeda terrorists from Kerala, Bengal in multiple raids

A&nbsp;team of officials from India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) is likely to fly to the UAE in order to continue their probe into the Kerala gold smuggling case.&nbsp;

NIA has decided to send the investigating team to the UAE to look into the manner in which diplomatic baggage was handled and also possible links with hawala transactions. The Indian government will soon be seeking the permission of the UAE for the team’s visit.&nbsp;

The team visiting the UAE will conduct a detailed investigation on those handling the diplomatic baggage in the UAE and also the Indians associated in that operation. The approval and the subsequent stand of the UAE government will be crucial in this regard. The NIA will submit the case diary containing the details of terrorist links in the gold smuggling case.&nbsp;

The NIA court is to consider the bail plea of accused Swapna Suresh on Thursday. Earlier the NIA had argued in the court stating that the money raised through gold smuggling was used for terrorist activities and is also reaching extremist groups. The court also ordered that the case diary detailing the progress of investigation be produced.&nbsp;

More details emerged on the wide network involved in the gold smuggling case after one of the key accused KT Rameez, who is under National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody, spilled the beans about his stay at a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram and the role of a few other Tamil Nadu-based agents.

Crucial details were obtained after taking KT Rameez into custody and later evidence was collected after taking him to IAS officer M Sivasankar’s flat.

More details on the wide network of the racket involved in the gold smuggling case through the diplomatic channel has come to light after one of the key accused Rameez, who is in National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody, spilled the beans about his stay at a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram and the role of a few other Tamil Nadu-based agents.&nbsp;

It is said that Rameez had met the second accused Swapna Suresh and third accused Sandeep Nair, on a few instances during the first three months of 2020.&nbsp;

Customs officials said the probe details revealed that Rameez used to handle the smuggled gold and he had established a network for transporting the smuggled gold across the country. “Apart from having a network with a few persons in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts in Kerala, Rameez used to have links with a few groups in Tamil Nadu. Each consignment of gold was routed through different networks to avoid detection,” the officials said.&nbsp;

A team of officials from India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) is likely to fly to the UAE in order to continue their probe into the Kerala gold smuggling case.

A team of officials from India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) is likely to fly to the UAE in order to continue their probe into the Kerala gold smuggling case. NIA has decided to send the investigating team to the UAE to look into the manner in which diplomatic baggage was handled and also possible links with hawala transactions. The Indian government will soon be seeking the permission of the UAE for the team’s visit. The team visiting the UAE will conduct a detailed investigation on those handling the diplomatic baggage in the UAE and also the Indians associated in that operation. The approval and the subsequent stand of the UAE government will be crucial in this regard. The NIA will submit the case diary containing the details of terrorist links in the gold smuggling case. The NIA court is to consider the bail plea of accused Swapna Suresh on Thursday. Earlier the NIA had argued in the court stating that the money raised through gold smuggling was used for terrorist activities and is also reaching extremist groups. The court also ordered that the case diary detailing the progress of investigation be produced. More details emerged on the wide network involved in the gold smuggling case after one of the key accused KT Rameez, who is under National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody, spilled the beans about his stay at a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram and the role of a few other Tamil Nadu-based agents. Crucial details were obtained after taking KT Rameez into custody and later evidence was collected after taking him to IAS officer M Sivasankar’s flat. More details on the wide network of the racket involved in the gold smuggling case through the diplomatic channel has come to light after one of the key accused Rameez, who is in National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody, spilled the beans about his stay at a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram and the role of a few other Tamil Nadu-based agents. It is said that Rameez had met the second accused Swapna Suresh and third accused Sandeep Nair, on a few instances during the first three months of 2020. Customs officials said the probe details revealed that Rameez used to handle the smuggled gold and he had established a network for transporting the smuggled gold across the country. “Apart from having a network with a few persons in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts in Kerala, Rameez used to have links with a few groups in Tamil Nadu. Each consignment of gold was routed through different networks to avoid detection,” the officials said.

NIA team to fly to UAE to investigate Kerala gold Smuggling case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will investigate the Kerala gold smuggling case in which the gold was smuggled into the country in diplomatic baggage in the name UAE's consulate in the southern Indian state of Kerala.&nbsp;

MHA gave the case to the investigative body saying "organised smuggling operation may have serious implications for national security."

Meanwhile, Ministry of external affairs reacting on the matter on Thursday said UAE's mission has been informed on the matter.

MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava in his weekly presser said, "Ministry of External Affairs had kept the Embassy of the UAE informed regarding the matter. The UAE Mission has extended all cooperation to the Customs Authorities in examining the said consignment. The matter is under further investigation."

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has already launched an investigation into the case to find out who was trying to smuggle gold to India under its consulate's name.

According to local authorities, Sarith Kumar, a former PRO at the consulate and one Swapna Suresh, working with Kerala govt IT Company were involved in the gold smuggling racket.&nbsp;

A statement by the UAE mission in Delhi said, "The authorities have stressed that the culprits who not only committed a major crime but also sought to tarnish the reputation of the UAE mission in India will not be spared. We remain committed to cooperating with Indian authorities in getting to the root of the crime."

Swapna Suresh was working as a manager at the Kerala State Information technology infrastructure limited company and was hired by IAS official M Sivasankar. Sivasankar, principal secretary to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has been now removed and has been replaced by Mir Muhammad Ali. Kerala CM has written to PM Modi calling for further probe.&nbsp;

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will investigate the Kerala gold smuggling case in which the gold was smuggled into the country in diplomatic baggage in the name UAE's consulate in the southern Indian state of Kerala.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will investigate the Kerala gold smuggling case in which the gold was smuggled into the country in diplomatic baggage in the name UAE's consulate in the southern Indian state of Kerala. MHA gave the case to the investigative body saying "organised smuggling operation may have serious implications for national security." Meanwhile, Ministry of external affairs reacting on the matter on Thursday said UAE's mission has been informed on the matter. MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava in his weekly presser said, "Ministry of External Affairs had kept the Embassy of the UAE informed regarding the matter. The UAE Mission has extended all cooperation to the Customs Authorities in examining the said consignment. The matter is under further investigation." The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has already launched an investigation into the case to find out who was trying to smuggle gold to India under its consulate's name. According to local authorities, Sarith Kumar, a former PRO at the consulate and one Swapna Suresh, working with Kerala govt IT Company were involved in the gold smuggling racket. A statement by the UAE mission in Delhi said, "The authorities have stressed that the culprits who not only committed a major crime but also sought to tarnish the reputation of the UAE mission in India will not be spared. We remain committed to cooperating with Indian authorities in getting to the root of the crime." Swapna Suresh was working as a manager at the Kerala State Information technology infrastructure limited company and was hired by IAS official M Sivasankar. Sivasankar, principal secretary to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has been now removed and has been replaced by Mir Muhammad Ali. Kerala CM has written to PM Modi calling for further probe.

Kerala smuggling case: NIA takes over case; MEA says UAE mission informed

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday questioned 10 accused in connection with ISIS terror-related case.

"They had obtained SIM cards on forged identities, pursuant to a conspiracy hatched with ISIS/Daish member Khaja Mohideen and his associates to carry out activities for furthering objectives of ISIS/Daish in India," said NIA in a statement.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/accused-in-pulwama-attack-case-held-remanded-to-15-days-nia-custody-283406">Accused in Pulwama attack case held, remanded to 15 days NIA custody</a>

NIA took the 10 arrested accused in custody for six days with effect from February 27 to March 3 for their detailed interrogation.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-joint-statement-india-us-call-on-pakistan-to-bring-to-justice-pathankot-and-2611-attackers-282741">In joint statement, India, US call on Pakistan to bring to justice Pathankot and 26/11 attackers</a>

The case was originally registered by Q Branch of Tamil Nadu Police.

During NIA custody of the accused persons, evidence regarding their participation in the conspiracy and pursuant overt acts has been collected and the same would be submitted to the Special Court for Trial of NIA cases, Chennai.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday questioned 10 accused in connection with ISIS terror-related case. "They had obtained SIM cards on forged identities, pursuant to a conspiracy hatched with ISIS/Daish member Khaja Mohideen and his associates to carry out activities for furthering objectives of ISIS/Daish in India," said NIA in a statement.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday questioned 10 accused in connection with ISIS terror-related case. "They had obtained SIM cards on forged identities, pursuant to a conspiracy hatched with ISIS/Daish member Khaja Mohideen and his associates to carry out activities for furthering objectives of ISIS/Daish in India," said NIA in a statement. Also read: Accused in Pulwama attack case held, remanded to 15 days NIA custody NIA took the 10 arrested accused in custody for six days with effect from February 27 to March 3 for their detailed interrogation. Also see: In joint statement, India, US call on Pakistan to bring to justice Pathankot and 26/11 attackers The case was originally registered by Q Branch of Tamil Nadu Police. During NIA custody of the accused persons, evidence regarding their participation in the conspiracy and pursuant overt acts has been collected and the same would be submitted to the Special Court for Trial of NIA cases, Chennai.

NIA interrogates 10 accused in IS terror module case

In a major breakthrough, National Investigative Agency (NIA) on Friday arrested one accused in the Pulwama attack case and has been remanded to 15 days of the agency's custody for his detailed interrogation.

Shakir Bashir Magrey,&nbsp;an Over-Ground Worker (OGW) of the terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) who is a resident of Hajibal, Kakapora, Pulwama was produced before the NIA Special Court at Jammu today and remanded to 15 days of NIA custody for his detailed interrogation.

"A furniture shop owner, Shakir Bashir Magrey provided shelter and other logistical assistance to the suicide-bomber Adil Ahmad Dar. He was introduced to Adil Ahmad Dar in mid-2018 by a Pakistani terrorist viz. Mohammad Umar Farooq and he became a full-time OGW of JeM. During his initial interrogation, he has disclosed that on several occasions, he collected and delivered arms, ammunition, cash and explosive material to the JeM terrorists including those involved in Pulwama attack," an official release said.

NIA said that Magrey has further revealed that he had harboured Adil Ahmad Dar and Pakistani terrorist Mohammad Umar Farooq in his house from late 2018 till the attack in February 2019, and assisted them in the preparation of the IED.

"His shop is located near Lethpora bridge, and as advised by Mohammad Umar, he started conducting reconnaissance of the movement of CRPF convoy on Jammu-Srinagar Highway in January 2019, and informed Mohammad Umar and Adil Ahmad Dar about it. Further, he was also involved in modifying the Maruti Eeco car and fitting the IED in it in early February, 2019," the release said.

"During investigations, the make, model and number of the car used in the attack was quickly ascertained by NIA to be a Maruti Eeco car through forensic examination of the tiny remnants of the car, which were seized from the spot during extended searches. This has been corroborated by accused Shakir Bashir Magrey," it said.

NIA said that the explosives used in the attack were determined to be Ammonium Nitrate, Nitro-Glycerin and RDX through forensic investigation.

"Investigation has also confirmed the identity of the suicide bomber to be Adil Ahmad Dar through DNA matching with that of his father," read the release.

"Other key terrorists involved in the attack have been found to be Muddasir Ahmad Khan, (JeM's Divisional Commander of South Kashmir killed in an operation by security forces on 11-03-2019) Pakistani terrorists viz. Muhammad Umar Farooq and IED expert Kamran, (both killed on 29-03-2019) the owner of the car viz. Sajjad Ahmad Bhat r/o Marhama, Anantnag (killed on 16-06-2019) and Qari Yassir, JeM`s Commander for Kashmir (killed on 25-01-2020)," it said.

In a major breakthrough, National Investigative Agency (NIA) on Friday arrested one accused in the Pulwama attack case and has been remanded to 15 days of the agency's custody for his detailed interrogation.

In a major breakthrough, National Investigative Agency (NIA) on Friday arrested one accused in the Pulwama attack case and has been remanded to 15 days of the agency's custody for his detailed interrogation. Shakir Bashir Magrey, an Over-Ground Worker (OGW) of the terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) who is a resident of Hajibal, Kakapora, Pulwama was produced before the NIA Special Court at Jammu today and remanded to 15 days of NIA custody for his detailed interrogation. "A furniture shop owner, Shakir Bashir Magrey provided shelter and other logistical assistance to the suicide-bomber Adil Ahmad Dar. He was introduced to Adil Ahmad Dar in mid-2018 by a Pakistani terrorist viz. Mohammad Umar Farooq and he became a full-time OGW of JeM. During his initial interrogation, he has disclosed that on several occasions, he collected and delivered arms, ammunition, cash and explosive material to the JeM terrorists including those involved in Pulwama attack," an official release said. NIA said that Magrey has further revealed that he had harboured Adil Ahmad Dar and Pakistani terrorist Mohammad Umar Farooq in his house from late 2018 till the attack in February 2019, and assisted them in the preparation of the IED. "His shop is located near Lethpora bridge, and as advised by Mohammad Umar, he started conducting reconnaissance of the movement of CRPF convoy on Jammu-Srinagar Highway in January 2019, and informed Mohammad Umar and Adil Ahmad Dar about it. Further, he was also involved in modifying the Maruti Eeco car and fitting the IED in it in early February, 2019," the release said. "During investigations, the make, model and number of the car used in the attack was quickly ascertained by NIA to be a Maruti Eeco car through forensic examination of the tiny remnants of the car, which were seized from the spot during extended searches. This has been corroborated by accused Shakir Bashir Magrey," it said. NIA said that the explosives used in the attack were determined to be Ammonium Nitrate, Nitro-Glycerin and RDX through forensic investigation. "Investigation has also confirmed the identity of the suicide bomber to be Adil Ahmad Dar through DNA matching with that of his father," read the release. "Other key terrorists involved in the attack have been found to be Muddasir Ahmad Khan, (JeM's Divisional Commander of South Kashmir killed in an operation by security forces on 11-03-2019) Pakistani terrorists viz. Muhammad Umar Farooq and IED expert Kamran, (both killed on 29-03-2019) the owner of the car viz. Sajjad Ahmad Bhat r/o Marhama, Anantnag (killed on 16-06-2019) and Qari Yassir, JeM`s Commander for Kashmir (killed on 25-01-2020)," it said.

Accused in Pulwama attack case held, remanded to 15 days NIA custody

The Suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Davinder Singh was brought to Jammu by National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday.

Davinder Singh was arrested on charges of trying to assist terrorists to travel outside Jammu and Kashmir.

Director-General of Police (DGP), Jammu and Kashmir, Dilbag Singh had on Monday said that the Bangladesh visits of Davinder Singh, who was arrested with Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists a few days back, are being investigated.

The NIA has registered a case and begun investigations in connection with the arrest of Davinder Singh after it was instructed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on January 16. 
&nbsp;

The Suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Davinder Singh was brought to Jammu by National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday. Davinder Singh was arrested on charges of trying to assist terrorists to travel outside Jammu and Kashmir.

The Suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Davinder Singh was brought to Jammu by National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday. Davinder Singh was arrested on charges of trying to assist terrorists to travel outside Jammu and Kashmir. Director-General of Police (DGP), Jammu and Kashmir, Dilbag Singh had on Monday said that the Bangladesh visits of Davinder Singh, who was arrested with Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists a few days back, are being investigated. The NIA has registered a case and begun investigations in connection with the arrest of Davinder Singh after it was instructed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on January 16.

Suspended cop Davinder Singh brought to Jammu by National Investigation Agency

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a case against the accused DSP of the Jammu and Kashmir Police after he was caught ferrying terrorists in south Kashmir's Kulgam district which included a top-ranking Hizbul terrorist Naveed Babu.&nbsp;

Sources said that the Devinder Singh will be taken to New Delhi for further interrogation and investigation in the high profile case. According to reports, NIA has filed a separate case against the officer under Arms Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/national-investigation-agency-begins-investigation-in-jk-cop-davinder-singh-275040">National Investigation Agency begins investigating J&amp;K cop Davinder Singh</a>

Sources in the Jammu and Kashmir police have told WION that Devinder Singh had travelled to Bangladesh on three occasions last year in a short period where his daughter is studying. The investigators are trying to find why he travelled to the country and who he met there.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-decorated-police-officer-caught-with-three-terrorists-in-kulgam-273765">Jammu and Kashmir: Decorated police officer caught with three terrorists in Kulgam</a>

"The NIA will also investigate the reason for his frequent travel to Bangladesh. He travelled there in March, May, and July in 2019 for just a few days," said a top police source adding that since the J&amp;K police have no jurisdiction for the same, the NIA will take it up with their counterparts.&nbsp;

They are also suspecting that Devender may have met the men from Inter-Services Intelligence -- the premier intelligence agency of Pakistan, -- when he travelled there and there could be more to investigate.&nbsp;

Sources in the police also said that few transactions were made to the police officer's account after he went to Bangladesh are also being looked at. "Where did the money come from and was he receiving money someone from outside the country", this needs to be investigated and NIA will look at this angle," said an officer.&nbsp;

The J&amp;K police officer was arrested while he was transporting two terrorists and one OGW to Jammu and then Chandigarh. His arrest came as a big shock to the department as in 2018, he was awarded Sher-e-Kashmir police medal for gallantry for his role in countering Pulwama suicide attack which killed eight security forces personnel. The police later ordered the forfeiture of his medal for being disloyal to the service and bringing disrepute to forces.&nbsp;

Singh has been involved in many counter-insurgency operations in the '90s when the terrorism erupted in the erstwhile state but his currier has been marred by allegations of extortion. Several questions were raised on his deployment at the highly sensitive airport in Srinagar as he was part of the anti-hijacking unit and was seen posing with the group of foreign envoys who visited the valley on an official tour.&nbsp; 
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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a case against the accused DSP of the Jammu and Kashmir Police after he was caught ferrying terrorists in south Kashmir's Kulgam district which included a top-ranking Hizbul terrorist Naveed Babu.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a case against the accused DSP of the Jammu and Kashmir Police after he was caught ferrying terrorists in south Kashmir's Kulgam district which included a top-ranking Hizbul terrorist Naveed Babu. Sources said that the Devinder Singh will be taken to New Delhi for further interrogation and investigation in the high profile case. According to reports, NIA has filed a separate case against the officer under Arms Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Also read: National Investigation Agency begins investigating J&K cop Davinder Singh Sources in the Jammu and Kashmir police have told WION that Devinder Singh had travelled to Bangladesh on three occasions last year in a short period where his daughter is studying. The investigators are trying to find why he travelled to the country and who he met there. Also read: Jammu and Kashmir: Decorated police officer caught with three terrorists in Kulgam "The NIA will also investigate the reason for his frequent travel to Bangladesh. He travelled there in March, May, and July in 2019 for just a few days," said a top police source adding that since the J&K police have no jurisdiction for the same, the NIA will take it up with their counterparts. They are also suspecting that Devender may have met the men from Inter-Services Intelligence -- the premier intelligence agency of Pakistan, -- when he travelled there and there could be more to investigate. Sources in the police also said that few transactions were made to the police officer's account after he went to Bangladesh are also being looked at. "Where did the money come from and was he receiving money someone from outside the country", this needs to be investigated and NIA will look at this angle," said an officer. The J&K police officer was arrested while he was transporting two terrorists and one OGW to Jammu and then Chandigarh. His arrest came as a big shock to the department as in 2018, he was awarded Sher-e-Kashmir police medal for gallantry for his role in countering Pulwama suicide attack which killed eight security forces personnel. The police later ordered the forfeiture of his medal for being disloyal to the service and bringing disrepute to forces. Singh has been involved in many counter-insurgency operations in the '90s when the terrorism erupted in the erstwhile state but his currier has been marred by allegations of extortion. Several questions were raised on his deployment at the highly sensitive airport in Srinagar as he was part of the anti-hijacking unit and was seen posing with the group of foreign envoys who visited the valley on an official tour.

NIA to investigate 'Bangladesh link' of accused DSP Devinder Singh

Jammu and Kashmir&nbsp;police on Wednesday said that it is recommending, the detained officer and currently suspended Davinder Singh to be sacked after he was arrested travelling with Hizbul terrorists.

Speaking at a press conference, Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh said, "we are recommending his sacking to the government."

"Cannot share right now what has been revealed during the interrogation." DGP also said.

On Sunday, Deputy Superintendent of Police&nbsp;Davinder Singh was arrested by Jammu and Kashmir police while he was travelling with&nbsp;two Hizbul terrorists.

According to reports, the investigation&nbsp;has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency.

Earlier in the day, NIA Director-General met Union Home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla pertaining to an investigation of the case, news agency ANI reported citing sources.

The police have already set up a special investigation team which is headed by DIG South Kashmir Atul Goyal, who spent a long time with the NIA before returning to his home cadr.&nbsp;

The security forces are also seeing the CCTV footage taken from the Srinagar airport and have sent his mobile phone for the forensic investigation to get more clues. All this may open up more possible links of an officer with terrorists or accomplices.&nbsp;

According to sources, Davinder was on the radar of security forces from quite some time.&nbsp;

In 2019, he took Hizb-ul-Mujahideen Commander Syed Naveed alias Babu to Jammu successfully where they stayed at Sidra area and later dropped him back as well. But the circumstances were different this time as a phone call was traced by the J&amp;K police which hinted at the movement of terrorists to the Jammu region.&nbsp;

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Jammu and Kashmir police on Wednesday said that it is recommending, the detained officer and currently suspended Davinder Singh to be sacked after he was arrested travelling with Hizbul terrorists.

Jammu and Kashmir police on Wednesday said that it is recommending, the detained officer and currently suspended Davinder Singh to be sacked after he was arrested travelling with Hizbul terrorists. Speaking at a press conference, Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh said, "we are recommending his sacking to the government." "Cannot share right now what has been revealed during the interrogation." DGP also said. On Sunday, Deputy Superintendent of Police Davinder Singh was arrested by Jammu and Kashmir police while he was travelling with two Hizbul terrorists. According to reports, the investigation has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency. Earlier in the day, NIA Director-General met Union Home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla pertaining to an investigation of the case, news agency ANI reported citing sources. The police have already set up a special investigation team which is headed by DIG South Kashmir Atul Goyal, who spent a long time with the NIA before returning to his home cadr. The security forces are also seeing the CCTV footage taken from the Srinagar airport and have sent his mobile phone for the forensic investigation to get more clues. All this may open up more possible links of an officer with terrorists or accomplices. According to sources, Davinder was on the radar of security forces from quite some time. In 2019, he took Hizb-ul-Mujahideen Commander Syed Naveed alias Babu to Jammu successfully where they stayed at Sidra area and later dropped him back as well. But the circumstances were different this time as a phone call was traced by the J&K police which hinted at the movement of terrorists to the Jammu region.

Recommending J&K officer Davinder Singh's sacking to government: DGP

The National Investigation Agency will take over the high profile case in which a decorated Jammu and Kashmir police officer, Davinder Singh, was arrested with two terrorists and one overground worker in Kulgam district on Saturday, top police sources have told WION.&nbsp;

The case which shocked the J&amp;K police and other agencies in the valley will be officially handed over to India's premier investigating agency in days to come.&nbsp;

"An NIA team was supposed to reach here today but due to snowfall, no flights could land or take off from the airport, hence hampering their arrival. They will reach here when the flights can land and the case will be taken over by them," said a top police source in Kashmir adding that the J&amp;K police has also given its consent for the case to be taken over. The case was registered was which was registered at Qazigund police station.&nbsp;

The NIA in the past has taken over several cases from the local police and investigated them including&nbsp;Pulwama terror attack case, J&amp;K terror funding case, URI terror attack, and other suicide attacks which created big headlines.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the sources in the agency also said that the investigation has so far revealed that terrorists and the officer were on way to Chandigarh and two terrorists were wearing turbans to hide their identity. Their motivation for moving to Punjab is still being investigated by the security forces.&nbsp;

The police during a press conference yesterday had said that their officers were capable enough to probe the incident as several officers presently posted with the J&amp;K carder have worked with several top agencies.&nbsp;

Earlier today, J&amp;K police chief Dilbag Singh according to sources in Delhi, spoke to officials at the Ministry of Home Affairs about the developments in the valley since yesterday which includes the arrest of the DSP rank officer.&nbsp;

Sources say the Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla was briefed on the arrest of the officer with two terrorists, including a top commander, and one overground worker from an i10 car in Kulgam.&nbsp;

He was also informed about the killing of three terrorists in Tral area of Pulwama district in south Kashmir. They say that the top cop also spoke about the interrogations and questioning being done by several agencies including the Military intelligence, Intelligence bureau &amp; RAW of the DSP and terrorists.

The arrest of the officer, who was deployed with the anti-hijacking unit at the Srinagar International Airport, has shocked the security forces operating in the valley as the officer was involved in several anti-terrorism operations in the militancy-hit Jammu and Kashmir in the past.

He was posing with foreign envoys during their official visit to Kashmir to get a first-hand account on the situation in J&amp;K following the abrogation of J&amp;K special status which raised serval questions on his deployment at a sensitive location despite his tainted tenure.&nbsp;

Questions are also being raised on the processes involving in the vetting officers for gallantry as Davinder Singh was awarded President's medal on the eve of India's Independence day. &nbsp;

The National Investigation Agency will take over the high profile case in which a decorated Jammu and Kashmir police officer, Davinder Singh, was arrested with two terrorists and one overground worker in Kulgam district on Saturday, top police sources have told WION.

The National Investigation Agency will take over the high profile case in which a decorated Jammu and Kashmir police officer, Davinder Singh, was arrested with two terrorists and one overground worker in Kulgam district on Saturday, top police sources have told WION. The case which shocked the J&K police and other agencies in the valley will be officially handed over to India's premier investigating agency in days to come. "An NIA team was supposed to reach here today but due to snowfall, no flights could land or take off from the airport, hence hampering their arrival. They will reach here when the flights can land and the case will be taken over by them," said a top police source in Kashmir adding that the J&K police has also given its consent for the case to be taken over. The case was registered was which was registered at Qazigund police station. The NIA in the past has taken over several cases from the local police and investigated them including Pulwama terror attack case, J&K terror funding case, URI terror attack, and other suicide attacks which created big headlines. Meanwhile, the sources in the agency also said that the investigation has so far revealed that terrorists and the officer were on way to Chandigarh and two terrorists were wearing turbans to hide their identity. Their motivation for moving to Punjab is still being investigated by the security forces. The police during a press conference yesterday had said that their officers were capable enough to probe the incident as several officers presently posted with the J&K carder have worked with several top agencies. Earlier today, J&K police chief Dilbag Singh according to sources in Delhi, spoke to officials at the Ministry of Home Affairs about the developments in the valley since yesterday which includes the arrest of the DSP rank officer. Sources say the Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla was briefed on the arrest of the officer with two terrorists, including a top commander, and one overground worker from an i10 car in Kulgam. He was also informed about the killing of three terrorists in Tral area of Pulwama district in south Kashmir. They say that the top cop also spoke about the interrogations and questioning being done by several agencies including the Military intelligence, Intelligence bureau & RAW of the DSP and terrorists. The arrest of the officer, who was deployed with the anti-hijacking unit at the Srinagar International Airport, has shocked the security forces operating in the valley as the officer was involved in several anti-terrorism operations in the militancy-hit Jammu and Kashmir in the past. He was posing with foreign envoys during their official visit to Kashmir to get a first-hand account on the situation in J&K following the abrogation of J&K special status which raised serval questions on his deployment at a sensitive location despite his tainted tenure. Questions are also being raised on the processes involving in the vetting officers for gallantry as Davinder Singh was awarded President's medal on the eve of India's Independence day.

NIA to take over J&K police officer's arrest case as investigation reveals new findings

National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested absconding accused Javed alias Javed Ali on Sunday for his role in funding a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative named Sheikh Abdul Nayeem alias Sohel Khan, who has been already arrested and charge sheeted for criminal conspiracy to carry out subversive activities in India along with his associates.

Javed Ali, was arrested on Sunday for his role in funding a LeT operative — Sheikh Abdul Nayeem, an already arrested and charge-sheeted accused of criminal conspiracy to carry out subversive activities in India along with his associates, the NIA said in a statement.In this case, five accused — Sheikh Abdul Nayeem, Bedar Bakht, Towseef Ahmad Malik, Dinesh Garg, and Adish Kumar Jain — were arrested earlier.

Five other accused were absconding — Amjed, Habib-ur-Rahman, Gul Nawaz, Javed Ali and Mohd Imran, out of which Javed Ali was arrested.

"Investigation revealed that the accused was affiliated to LeT and was involved in arranging funds through hawala channels from Saudi Arabia to Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh in 2017, which were received by accused, Sheikh Abdul Nayeem," the NIA statement said.

"Terror funds were used for carrying out a recce in various places of India to recruit terrorists for LeT and identify soft targets including foreign nationals and tourists," added the statement.Further probe in the case is underway.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested absconding accused Javed alias Javed Ali on Sunday for his role in funding a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative named Sheikh Abdul Nayeem alias Sohel Khan, who has been already arrested and charge sheeted for criminal conspiracy to carry out subversive activities in India along with his associates.

National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested absconding accused Javed alias Javed Ali on Sunday for his role in funding a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative named Sheikh Abdul Nayeem alias Sohel Khan, who has been already arrested and charge sheeted for criminal conspiracy to carry out subversive activities in India along with his associates. Javed Ali, was arrested on Sunday for his role in funding a LeT operative — Sheikh Abdul Nayeem, an already arrested and charge-sheeted accused of criminal conspiracy to carry out subversive activities in India along with his associates, the NIA said in a statement.In this case, five accused — Sheikh Abdul Nayeem, Bedar Bakht, Towseef Ahmad Malik, Dinesh Garg, and Adish Kumar Jain — were arrested earlier. Five other accused were absconding — Amjed, Habib-ur-Rahman, Gul Nawaz, Javed Ali and Mohd Imran, out of which Javed Ali was arrested. "Investigation revealed that the accused was affiliated to LeT and was involved in arranging funds through hawala channels from Saudi Arabia to Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh in 2017, which were received by accused, Sheikh Abdul Nayeem," the NIA statement said. "Terror funds were used for carrying out a recce in various places of India to recruit terrorists for LeT and identify soft targets including foreign nationals and tourists," added the statement.Further probe in the case is underway. (With inputs from ANI)

Absconding Lashkar operative arrested for raising funds to conduct terror acts in India