The National Investigation Agency conducted searches across six locations spread across five districts in Tamil Nadu in connection with a 2018 criminal conspiracy that intended to spread terror in the State by targeting Hindu religious leaders and causing communal disharmony.

The early morning searches were carried out at two locations in Coimbatore City, besides one location each in Sivaganga, Tiruchirapalli, Nagapattinam and Toothukudi districts.&nbsp;

According to an NIA Statement, the case pertains to the criminal conspiracy hatched by 6 charge-sheeted accused persons and their associates, with the intention of furthering the objectives of ISIS/ Daish by targeting certain Hindu activists in Coimbatore.&nbsp;

The statement read, “accused persons arrested by Tamil Nadu Police in this case in September 2018 and charge-sheeted by NIA in February 2019 had conducted preparations, including reconnaissance of targets, for launching such attacks, which would have caused communal disharmony and terror in the State. The investigation has revealed that the charge-sheeted accused persons and their associates were radicalized on the violent extremist ideology of ISIS/ Daish by following the speeches and videos of the Sri Lankan IS/ Daesh leader Zahran Hashim, over social media platforms”.

Today’s searches were conducted at the residences of the associates of individuals who were charge-sheeted earlier.

The agency has seized two laptops, eight mobile phones, five SIM cards, an SD card and 14 documents, which would be subjected to forensic examination. The persons searched are being questioned to ascertain their association with the charge-sheeted accused persons besides any role in this crime.

The National Investigation Agency conducted searches across six locations spread across five districts in Tamil Nadu in connection with a 2018 criminal conspiracy that intended to spread terror in the State by targeting Hindu religious leaders and causing communal disharmony.

The National Investigation Agency conducted searches across six locations spread across five districts in Tamil Nadu in connection with a 2018 criminal conspiracy that intended to spread terror in the State by targeting Hindu religious leaders and causing communal disharmony. The early morning searches were carried out at two locations in Coimbatore City, besides one location each in Sivaganga, Tiruchirapalli, Nagapattinam and Toothukudi districts. According to an NIA Statement, the case pertains to the criminal conspiracy hatched by 6 charge-sheeted accused persons and their associates, with the intention of furthering the objectives of ISIS/ Daish by targeting certain Hindu activists in Coimbatore. The statement read, “accused persons arrested by Tamil Nadu Police in this case in September 2018 and charge-sheeted by NIA in February 2019 had conducted preparations, including reconnaissance of targets, for launching such attacks, which would have caused communal disharmony and terror in the State. The investigation has revealed that the charge-sheeted accused persons and their associates were radicalized on the violent extremist ideology of ISIS/ Daish by following the speeches and videos of the Sri Lankan IS/ Daesh leader Zahran Hashim, over social media platforms”. Today’s searches were conducted at the residences of the associates of individuals who were charge-sheeted earlier. The agency has seized two laptops, eight mobile phones, five SIM cards, an SD card and 14 documents, which would be subjected to forensic examination. The persons searched are being questioned to ascertain their association with the charge-sheeted accused persons besides any role in this crime.

NIA searches six locations across Tamil Nadu in crackdown on ISIS module; associates of individuals arrested in 2018 under scanner

While complimenting his men for having foiled more than 30 Border Action Team (BAT) actions in the recent past, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/next-war-will-be-won-through-indigenised-weapons-systems-army-chief-bipin-rawat-256020">Army Chief General Bipin Rawat</a> on Tuesday appreciated the National investigation Agency for making a large number of convictions in terror-related cases. 
 
While addressing top Army Commanders at the biannual Conference in New Delhi, General Rawat said, "There has been an effective and large number of convictions and this could happen due to synergy among the security forces and the agencies. Such synergy with the law enforcing agencies will be reinforced." 
 
Notably, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) which is responsible for looking after investigations of terrorist-related incidents, the agency has been successful in probing several cases into hawala rackets, terror funding and stone-pelting cases. A number of these accused have been convicted now. 
 
During the conference, operational readiness, effective conduct, and well-synergised operational readiness of the Indian Army were on top of the agenda. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-very-recently-reactivated-balakot-terror-camp-says-army-chief-bipin-rawat-251429">The Army Chief</a> also appreciated the officers and troops for carrying out their operational responsibility which has resulted in foiling many Border Action Team (BAT) actions along the Line of Control (LoC) and terrorists' actions in the hinterland. 
 
Army sources said in the last ten months, the troops have foiled 33 suspicious BAT actions by Pakistan army and terrorist groups backed by them around the LoC. 
 
A number of attacks by terrorists have also been foiled as the security forces have successfully eliminated around 150 local and foreign terrorists in the recent past. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/was-ready-for-ground-escalation-by-pakistan-after-balakot-airstrikes-army-chief-bipin-rawat-244240">Rawat highlighted the innovativeness and ingenuity of soldiers</a> and junior leaders in operational areas. 
 
'It is indeed heartening to see soldiers and junior leaders respond to difficult operational situations in the most innovative manner and such ingenious approach is a great enabler in successful operations along LC and in the hinterland," he said.

While complimenting his men for having foiled more than 30 Border Action Team (BAT) actions in the recent past, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Tuesday appreciated the National investigation Agency for making a large number of convictions in terror-related cases.

While complimenting his men for having foiled more than 30 Border Action Team (BAT) actions in the recent past, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Tuesday appreciated the National investigation Agency for making a large number of convictions in terror-related cases. While addressing top Army Commanders at the biannual Conference in New Delhi, General Rawat said, "There has been an effective and large number of convictions and this could happen due to synergy among the security forces and the agencies. Such synergy with the law enforcing agencies will be reinforced." Notably, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) which is responsible for looking after investigations of terrorist-related incidents, the agency has been successful in probing several cases into hawala rackets, terror funding and stone-pelting cases. A number of these accused have been convicted now. During the conference, operational readiness, effective conduct, and well-synergised operational readiness of the Indian Army were on top of the agenda. The Army Chief also appreciated the officers and troops for carrying out their operational responsibility which has resulted in foiling many Border Action Team (BAT) actions along the Line of Control (LoC) and terrorists' actions in the hinterland. Army sources said in the last ten months, the troops have foiled 33 suspicious BAT actions by Pakistan army and terrorist groups backed by them around the LoC. A number of attacks by terrorists have also been foiled as the security forces have successfully eliminated around 150 local and foreign terrorists in the recent past. Rawat highlighted the innovativeness and ingenuity of soldiers and junior leaders in operational areas. 'It is indeed heartening to see soldiers and junior leaders respond to difficult operational situations in the most innovative manner and such ingenious approach is a great enabler in successful operations along LC and in the hinterland," he said.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat lauds National Investigation Agency for convictions in terror-related cases

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will carry out an investigation into cases of drones being used by Pakistan to smuggle arms into India through bordering areas of Punjab.

On September 22, the Punjab Police had said to have busted a terrorist module of the revived Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF), which was backed by a Pakistan and Germany based terror group that was conspiring to unleash a series of terror strikes in Punjab and its adjoining states.

According to Deputy General of Police (DGP) Dinkar Gupta, the weapons were suspected to have been delivered across the India-Pakistan border from Pakistan by drones launched by the ISI and state-sponsored 'jihadi'&nbsp;and pro-Khalistani terrorist outfits working under its command.

Expressing concerns over the incident, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh had urged Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure necessary action in the 'incidents'&nbsp;of Pakistan-origin drones being used for dropping consignments of arms and ammunition in the state.

Taking to Twitter, Singh said that the drone incidents are just one of Pakistan's "sinister designs" following the abrogation of Article 370 granted to Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chief Minister also urged the Centre to direct the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Border Security Force (BSF) to launch necessary counter-measures to check any further threat from drones to the border state.&nbsp;

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will carry out an investigation into cases of drones being used by Pakistan to smuggle arms into India through bordering areas of Punjab.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will carry out an investigation into cases of drones being used by Pakistan to smuggle arms into India through bordering areas of Punjab. On September 22, the Punjab Police had said to have busted a terrorist module of the revived Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF), which was backed by a Pakistan and Germany based terror group that was conspiring to unleash a series of terror strikes in Punjab and its adjoining states. According to Deputy General of Police (DGP) Dinkar Gupta, the weapons were suspected to have been delivered across the India-Pakistan border from Pakistan by drones launched by the ISI and state-sponsored 'jihadi' and pro-Khalistani terrorist outfits working under its command. Expressing concerns over the incident, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh had urged Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure necessary action in the 'incidents' of Pakistan-origin drones being used for dropping consignments of arms and ammunition in the state. Taking to Twitter, Singh said that the drone incidents are just one of Pakistan's "sinister designs" following the abrogation of Article 370 granted to Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief Minister also urged the Centre to direct the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Border Security Force (BSF) to launch necessary counter-measures to check any further threat from drones to the border state.

NIA to probe incidents of Pakistan drones smuggling arms into India

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday said that a supplementary charge sheet has been filed against an accused in the Rs 6.34 lakh Fake Indian Currency Note (FICN) case here in Bengaluru.

Sabiruddin, 46, a resident of West Bengal's Malda, has been named in FICN case and the charge sheet has been filed against him before the NIA special court in Bengaluru, the NIA said in a statementThe case pertains to the seizure of FICN having a face value of Rs 6.34 lakh in denomination of Rs 2,000 by Madanayakanahalli police station officers from four persons on August 8, 2018.

Initially, the case was registered at the Madanayakanahalli police station. The NIA took over the investigation in September last year, it said.

The NIA had filed a charge sheet against the four accused -- Mohammed Sajjad Ali, M G Raju, Gangadhar Ramappa Kolkar and Vanitha J on November 3, 2018 - under relevant provisions of the IPC, and one supplementary charge sheet was filed on March 8 this year against Abdul Kadir as per their role in commission of the offence, the statement said.

During further investigation, it was found that Sabiruddin, along with his associates based in Karnataka as well as in West Bengal, hatched a conspiracy to circulate huge quantities of FICN as genuine Indian currency notes in local markets of Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka.

The accused were actively involved in procuring, trafficking, supplying and circulating huge quantities of FICN in the high denomination.

Sabiruddin is one of the main suppliers of FICN from Malda who, as part of the conspiracy, supplied huge quantity of FICN to his associate Raju at Bengaluru through Sajjad Ali - a courier.

The names of his associates from Malda, Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka have come to light and further investigation against them under Section 173(8) of Code of Criminal Procedure against them is underway.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday said that a supplementary charge sheet has been filed against an accused in the Rs 6.34 lakh Fake Indian Currency Note (FICN) case here in Bengaluru.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday said that a supplementary charge sheet has been filed against an accused in the Rs 6.34 lakh Fake Indian Currency Note (FICN) case here in Bengaluru. Sabiruddin, 46, a resident of West Bengal's Malda, has been named in FICN case and the charge sheet has been filed against him before the NIA special court in Bengaluru, the NIA said in a statementThe case pertains to the seizure of FICN having a face value of Rs 6.34 lakh in denomination of Rs 2,000 by Madanayakanahalli police station officers from four persons on August 8, 2018. Initially, the case was registered at the Madanayakanahalli police station. The NIA took over the investigation in September last year, it said. The NIA had filed a charge sheet against the four accused -- Mohammed Sajjad Ali, M G Raju, Gangadhar Ramappa Kolkar and Vanitha J on November 3, 2018 - under relevant provisions of the IPC, and one supplementary charge sheet was filed on March 8 this year against Abdul Kadir as per their role in commission of the offence, the statement said. During further investigation, it was found that Sabiruddin, along with his associates based in Karnataka as well as in West Bengal, hatched a conspiracy to circulate huge quantities of FICN as genuine Indian currency notes in local markets of Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka. The accused were actively involved in procuring, trafficking, supplying and circulating huge quantities of FICN in the high denomination. Sabiruddin is one of the main suppliers of FICN from Malda who, as part of the conspiracy, supplied huge quantity of FICN to his associate Raju at Bengaluru through Sajjad Ali - a courier. The names of his associates from Malda, Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka have come to light and further investigation against them under Section 173(8) of Code of Criminal Procedure against them is underway.

Bengaluru: NIA files charge sheet in fake Indian currency case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at the residences of 14 men who were deported to India from the UAE and were arrested on July 15th for owing allegiance to the proscribed terrorist organizations ISIS/ Daesh, Al-Qaeda and Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), while being within and beyond India.&nbsp;

They had allegedly conspired and made preparations to wage war against the Indian government by forming the terrorist gang Ansarulla.

The United Arab Emirates had kept the men in jail for six months before deporting them to India last week. They were arrested from Delhi airport and brought to Tamil Nadu where a special court on Friday allowed the police to keep the men in their custody till July 26.

Following the arrests and interrogation of the 14 members, the agency also arrested two more members from Nagapattinam, taking the overall arrests to 16.

Searches were conducted at five locations in Ramanathapuram district, two locations in Theni district and one location each in Chennai city, Tirunelveli city, Madurai city, Thanjavur district, Perambalur district, Nagapattinam district and Thiruvarur district.

The NIA conducted searches at the residences of 14 arrested accused persons in this case, namely Mohamed Ibrahim (A-4), Mohamed Sheik Maitheen (A-5), Meeran Ghani (A-6), Gulam Nabi Asath (A-7), Ahamed Azarudhen (A-8), Toufiq Ahmed (A-9), Mohamed Ibrahim (A-10), Mohammed Afzar (A-11), Rafi Ahamed (A-12), Munthasir (A-13), Umar Barook (A-14), Mohideen Seeni Shahul Hameed (A-15), Faizal Sharief (A-16) and Farook (A-17).

During the searches, a laptop, 7 mobiles, 5 SIM cards, 3 memory cards, a hard disk drive, 2 pen drives, an internet dongle, 9 CDs/ DVDs and about 50 documents have been seized. The seized materials will be submitted before the Honorable Special Court for NIA cases, Chennai and the digital devices will be subjected to cyber forensic examination.

A press release from the agency said, “The accused persons and their associates had collected funds and made preparations to carry out terrorist attacks in India with the intention of establishing Islamic rule in India. Accused persons have been actively recruiting individuals to strike terror in India and have also been disseminating videos and other jihadi propaganda material exhorting their supporters to conduct terrorist attacks through various methods including the use of explosives, poison, knives and vehicles, as means of attack. NIA has arrested 16 accused persons in this case.”

Cases have been registered under sections 120B, 121A and 122 of the IPC, besides sections 17, 18, 18-B, 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, added the NIA release.&nbsp;

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at the residences of 14 men who were deported to India from the UAE and were arrested on July 15th for owing allegiance to the proscribed terrorist organizations ISIS/ Daesh, Al-Qaeda and Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), while being within and beyond India.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at the residences of 14 men who were deported to India from the UAE and were arrested on July 15th for owing allegiance to the proscribed terrorist organizations ISIS/ Daesh, Al-Qaeda and Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), while being within and beyond India. They had allegedly conspired and made preparations to wage war against the Indian government by forming the terrorist gang Ansarulla. The United Arab Emirates had kept the men in jail for six months before deporting them to India last week. They were arrested from Delhi airport and brought to Tamil Nadu where a special court on Friday allowed the police to keep the men in their custody till July 26. Following the arrests and interrogation of the 14 members, the agency also arrested two more members from Nagapattinam, taking the overall arrests to 16. Searches were conducted at five locations in Ramanathapuram district, two locations in Theni district and one location each in Chennai city, Tirunelveli city, Madurai city, Thanjavur district, Perambalur district, Nagapattinam district and Thiruvarur district. The NIA conducted searches at the residences of 14 arrested accused persons in this case, namely Mohamed Ibrahim (A-4), Mohamed Sheik Maitheen (A-5), Meeran Ghani (A-6), Gulam Nabi Asath (A-7), Ahamed Azarudhen (A-8), Toufiq Ahmed (A-9), Mohamed Ibrahim (A-10), Mohammed Afzar (A-11), Rafi Ahamed (A-12), Munthasir (A-13), Umar Barook (A-14), Mohideen Seeni Shahul Hameed (A-15), Faizal Sharief (A-16) and Farook (A-17). During the searches, a laptop, 7 mobiles, 5 SIM cards, 3 memory cards, a hard disk drive, 2 pen drives, an internet dongle, 9 CDs/ DVDs and about 50 documents have been seized. The seized materials will be submitted before the Honorable Special Court for NIA cases, Chennai and the digital devices will be subjected to cyber forensic examination. A press release from the agency said, “The accused persons and their associates had collected funds and made preparations to carry out terrorist attacks in India with the intention of establishing Islamic rule in India. Accused persons have been actively recruiting individuals to strike terror in India and have also been disseminating videos and other jihadi propaganda material exhorting their supporters to conduct terrorist attacks through various methods including the use of explosives, poison, knives and vehicles, as means of attack. NIA has arrested 16 accused persons in this case.” Cases have been registered under sections 120B, 121A and 122 of the IPC, besides sections 17, 18, 18-B, 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, added the NIA release.

Tamil Nadu: NIA raids 14 locations across state in connection with terror gang 

Two days after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-passes-national-investigation-agency-amendment-bill-236165">Lok Sabha passed the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill</a>, the Rajya Sabha also cleared the bill on Wednesday.

The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha with 278 members voting in its favour and six against it. While it&nbsp;was passed in the Rajya Sabha by a voice vote.

The National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill&nbsp;aims at enhancing the jurisdiction of NIA to investigate scheduled offences committed outside India targeting Indians as well as Indian assets abroad.

Assuring the House against the misuse of the bill, Home Minister Amit Shah said, "I want to assure the House that Prime Minister Narendra Modi government will not allow any misuse of this law."

He further urged the members to pass the Bill unanimously so that a strong message be sent to terrorists and the world that India is united in its fight against terrorism.

When the Bill was taken up for voting, Congress'&nbsp;T Subbirami Reddy moved some amendments, which were negated.&nbsp;

The amendments in the Bill will enable the NIA to additionally investigate offences related to human trafficking, counterfeit currency, manufacture or sale of prohibited arms, cyber-terrorism and offences under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908.

It also provides for constituting special courts for the trial of scheduled offences such as human trafficking and cyber terrorism.&nbsp;

Addressing the lower house on Monday, Home Minister Amit Shah had said, "Repealing POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) was not a right step, the number of terrorist incidents increased so much between 2004-2008 that the then UPA government had to bring in NIA. It was after Mumbai attack that it was decided to form NIA.''

The NIA was set up in 2009 in the wake of the Mumbai terror attack which had claimed 166 lives.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI) 
&nbsp;

Two days after the Lok Sabha passed the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, the Rajya Sabha also cleared the bill on Wednesday. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha with 278 members voting in its favour and six against it.

Two days after the Lok Sabha passed the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, the Rajya Sabha also cleared the bill on Wednesday. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha with 278 members voting in its favour and six against it. While it was passed in the Rajya Sabha by a voice vote. The National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill aims at enhancing the jurisdiction of NIA to investigate scheduled offences committed outside India targeting Indians as well as Indian assets abroad. Assuring the House against the misuse of the bill, Home Minister Amit Shah said, "I want to assure the House that Prime Minister Narendra Modi government will not allow any misuse of this law." He further urged the members to pass the Bill unanimously so that a strong message be sent to terrorists and the world that India is united in its fight against terrorism. When the Bill was taken up for voting, Congress' T Subbirami Reddy moved some amendments, which were negated. The amendments in the Bill will enable the NIA to additionally investigate offences related to human trafficking, counterfeit currency, manufacture or sale of prohibited arms, cyber-terrorism and offences under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908. It also provides for constituting special courts for the trial of scheduled offences such as human trafficking and cyber terrorism. Addressing the lower house on Monday, Home Minister Amit Shah had said, "Repealing POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) was not a right step, the number of terrorist incidents increased so much between 2004-2008 that the then UPA government had to bring in NIA. It was after Mumbai attack that it was decided to form NIA.'' The NIA was set up in 2009 in the wake of the Mumbai terror attack which had claimed 166 lives. (With inputs from ANI)

Rajya Sabha passes National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill

A team of Delhi Police`s Special Cell arrested a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-sentences-three-jaish-e-mohammed-activists-for-terror-funding-223365">Jaish-e-Mohammed</a> terrorist from Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Tuesday.

The police had announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh on information leading to the arrest of Jaish terrorist Basir Ahmad.&nbsp;

In April, the Delhi Police Special Cell had arrested a JeM terrorist from Srinagar identified as Faiyaz Ahmed Lone.

On March 22, Delhi Police had arrested Sajjad Khan, an alleged associate of Pulwama terror attack mastermind Mudassir Ahmed Khan.&nbsp;

He was arrested from the Red Fort area and was later to handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA)

A team of Delhi Police`s Special Cell arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist from Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Tuesday. The police had announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh on information leading to the arrest of Jaish terrorist Basir Ahmad.

A team of Delhi Police`s Special Cell arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist from Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Tuesday. The police had announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh on information leading to the arrest of Jaish terrorist Basir Ahmad. In April, the Delhi Police Special Cell had arrested a JeM terrorist from Srinagar identified as Faiyaz Ahmed Lone. On March 22, Delhi Police had arrested Sajjad Khan, an alleged associate of Pulwama terror attack mastermind Mudassir Ahmed Khan. He was arrested from the Red Fort area and was later to handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA)

Delhi Police Special Cell arrests Jaish-e-Mohammed  terrorist from Srinagar

The Lok Sabha on Monday has passed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

Speaker Om Birla said the bill had been passed with 278 members voting in its favour and six against it.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, ''Repealing POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) was not a right step, the number of terrorists incidents increased so much between 2004-2008 that the then UPA government had to bring in NIA. It was after Mumbai attack that it was decided to form NIA.''

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Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha, today: Repealing POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) wasn't a right step, number of terrorists incidents increased so much between 2004-2008 that the then UPA govt had to bring in NIA. It was after Mumbai attack that it was decided to form NIA <a href="https://t.co/EGtpH7v4Uw">pic.twitter.com/EGtpH7v4Uw</a>
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During the discussion in Lok Sabha regarding NIA Bill, Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said that terrorism is a dangerous problem and senior leaders have been victims and that the terrorists outside India had been making efforts to target India.

NIA probes have yielded good results and out of the 272 cases registered, judgment has been delivered in 52 cases, while there is a conviction in 46 other cases, Reddy further added.

The Bill also seeks to strengthen powers of NIA in cases involving explosives and the responsibility in cases of human trafficking will be given to the investigation agency, Reddy said.

The NIA was set up in 2009 in the wake of the Mumbai terror attack which had claimed 166 lives.&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha on Monday has passed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) (Amendment) Bill, 2019. Speaker Om Birla said the bill had been passed with 278 members voting in its favour and six against it.

The Lok Sabha on Monday has passed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) (Amendment) Bill, 2019. Speaker Om Birla said the bill had been passed with 278 members voting in its favour and six against it. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, ''Repealing POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) was not a right step, the number of terrorists incidents increased so much between 2004-2008 that the then UPA government had to bring in NIA. It was after Mumbai attack that it was decided to form NIA.'' Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha, today: Repealing POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) wasn't a right step, number of terrorists incidents increased so much between 2004-2008 that the then UPA govt had to bring in NIA. It was after Mumbai attack that it was decided to form NIA pic.twitter.com/EGtpH7v4Uw — ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2019 × During the discussion in Lok Sabha regarding NIA Bill, Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said that terrorism is a dangerous problem and senior leaders have been victims and that the terrorists outside India had been making efforts to target India. NIA probes have yielded good results and out of the 272 cases registered, judgment has been delivered in 52 cases, while there is a conviction in 46 other cases, Reddy further added. The Bill also seeks to strengthen powers of NIA in cases involving explosives and the responsibility in cases of human trafficking will be given to the investigation agency, Reddy said. The NIA was set up in 2009 in the wake of the Mumbai terror attack which had claimed 166 lives.

Lok Sabha passes National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill

The Lok Sabha on Monday took up the discussion on an amendment bill that seeks to strengthen the National Investigation Agency (NIA) by empowering it to probe offences committed outside India against Indian citizens or affecting the interests of India.

Moving the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-attaches-properties-of-kashmiri-separatist-leader-asiya-andrabi-in-srinagar-234540"> National Investigation Agency</a> (Amendment) Bill, 2019 for consideration and passage in the House, Minister of State for Home G&nbsp;Kishan Reddy said that terrorism is a dangerous problem and senior leaders have been victims.

The Bill seeks to amend the NIA Act, 2008.

Reddy said that terrorists outside India had been making efforts to target India.

He said that there should be an agency to probe cases if Indian embassies, its flights or non-resident Indians are targetted by terrorists and the Bill seeks to provide such powers to NIA.

The minister said that NIA probes have yielded good results and out of the 272 cases registered, judgment has been delivered in 52 cases, while there is a conviction in 46 other cases.

"There has been a conviction in big cases. There have been 90 per cent conviction," Reddy said.

The union minister said that special courts have been constituted to decide cases probed by NIA but there is some delay if a judge is transferred, promoted or retires.

&nbsp;He added that the process is being simplified to avoid delay and expedite the trial process.

The Bill also seeks to strengthen powers of NIA in cases involving explosives and the responsibility in cases of human trafficking will be given to the investigation agency, Reddy said.

He stressed that the agency will be empowered to probe cases involving `prohibited arms` and powers in handling cases of cyber-terrorism will be strengthened.

Reddy said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed that there will be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/infiltration-in-jammu-and-kashmir-reduced-by-43-after-balakot-airstrike-says-government-234382">zero tolerance in terrorism cases</a>.

Urging members to support the Bill, the union minister said it has been brought in the interests of the country.&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha on Monday took up the discussion on an amendment bill that seeks to strengthen the National Investigation Agency (NIA) by empowering it to probe offences committed outside India against Indian citizens or affecting the interests of India.

The Lok Sabha on Monday took up the discussion on an amendment bill that seeks to strengthen the National Investigation Agency (NIA) by empowering it to probe offences committed outside India against Indian citizens or affecting the interests of India. Moving the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019 for consideration and passage in the House, Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said that terrorism is a dangerous problem and senior leaders have been victims. The Bill seeks to amend the NIA Act, 2008. Reddy said that terrorists outside India had been making efforts to target India. He said that there should be an agency to probe cases if Indian embassies, its flights or non-resident Indians are targetted by terrorists and the Bill seeks to provide such powers to NIA. The minister said that NIA probes have yielded good results and out of the 272 cases registered, judgment has been delivered in 52 cases, while there is a conviction in 46 other cases. "There has been a conviction in big cases. There have been 90 per cent conviction," Reddy said. The union minister said that special courts have been constituted to decide cases probed by NIA but there is some delay if a judge is transferred, promoted or retires. He added that the process is being simplified to avoid delay and expedite the trial process. The Bill also seeks to strengthen powers of NIA in cases involving explosives and the responsibility in cases of human trafficking will be given to the investigation agency, Reddy said. He stressed that the agency will be empowered to probe cases involving `prohibited arms` and powers in handling cases of cyber-terrorism will be strengthened. Reddy said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed that there will be zero tolerance in terrorism cases. Urging members to support the Bill, the union minister said it has been brought in the interests of the country.

Lok Sabha takes up Bill seeking to strengthen powers of National Investigation Agency

Seeking to give more teeth to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the government plans to amend two laws to allow it to probe terrorist acts against Indians and Indian interests abroad.

The Union cabinet will take a call on Monday on amending the NIA Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The amendment bill could be introduced in Parliament this week during the ongoing Monsoon session.

The amendments will also allow the NIA probe cybercrimes and cases of human trafficking, sources aware of the proposal said Sunday.

Amendment to Schedule 4 of the UAPA will allow the NIA to designate an individual suspected to have terror links as a terrorist. As of now, only organisations are designated as 'terrorist organisations'.

The NIA was set up in 2009 in the wake of the Mumbai terror attack that had claimed 166 lives.

Since 2017, the Union Home Ministry has been considering the two laws to give more power to the NIA to meet fresh challenges, the sources pointed out.&nbsp;

Seeking to give more teeth to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the government plans to amend two laws to allow it to probe terrorist acts against Indians and Indian interests abroad.

Seeking to give more teeth to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the government plans to amend two laws to allow it to probe terrorist acts against Indians and Indian interests abroad. The Union cabinet will take a call on Monday on amending the NIA Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The amendment bill could be introduced in Parliament this week during the ongoing Monsoon session. The amendments will also allow the NIA probe cybercrimes and cases of human trafficking, sources aware of the proposal said Sunday. Amendment to Schedule 4 of the UAPA will allow the NIA to designate an individual suspected to have terror links as a terrorist. As of now, only organisations are designated as 'terrorist organisations'. The NIA was set up in 2009 in the wake of the Mumbai terror attack that had claimed 166 lives. Since 2017, the Union Home Ministry has been considering the two laws to give more power to the NIA to meet fresh challenges, the sources pointed out.

Cabinet to consider bill to give more teeth to NIA

Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, who had skipped proceedings on Thursday on grounds of ill health, appeared before a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court along with two other accused in connection with the 2008 Malegaon blast case.

Thakur, an accused in the case, was asked some questions by NIA Judge Vinod Padlakar, who later directed all the three accused -Thakur, Samir Kulkarni and Sudhakar Diwedi--to return to the court at 2:45 pm&nbsp;for signatures marking their presence as per the procedure.

At the court, she could be seen helped by two men to climb the stairs at the entrance.

During the course of hearing, Special NIA Judge Vinod Padlakar asked two questions from all the three accused present in the court.

"Do you know or has your lawyer told you about how many witnesses have been examined by the prosecution till now?" the judge asked.

Thakur replied, "I don't know," while Diwedi answered that so far 116 witnesses have been examined by the prosecution.

The court also asked, "From all the witnesses who have been examined till now, it has transpired that there was a blast on September 29, 2008 in which several people died. What do you have to say?"

Thakur and Diwedi said that they do not know about it while Kulkarni claimed that it is true.

On Thursday, the court issued an arrest warrant against a witness in the case who had signed the panchnama while the damage by the blasts was being ascertained. Since it was a bailable warrant, the witness has to pay Rs. 5,000 as bail bond.

Thakur had on Tuesday, moved an exemption from appearance plea in connection with the case. She is likely to appear before the court later this week, her lawyer had said.

The court had on Monday directed Thakur and all other accused in the case to appear before it once a week.

Judge Padalkar, while asking Thakur to be present before the court, had referred to a recent Supreme Court order which said hearing in criminal cases against public representatives be expedited.

Besides the Bhopal MP, the other accused are Lt Col Prasad Purohit, Major (retired) Ramesh Upadhyay, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Ajay Rahirkar, Sameer Kulkarni and Sudhakar Chaturvedi.

They have been charged under various sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The charges include sections 16 (committing terrorist act) and 18 (conspiring to commit terrorist act) of the UAPA and sections 120 (b) (criminal conspiracy), 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 153 (a) (promoting enmity between two religious groups) of the IPC.

The accused have also been charged under relevant sections of the Explosive Substances Act.

On September 29, 2018, six people were killed and a dozen others were injured when a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra's Malegaon city.

Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, who had skipped proceedings on Thursday on grounds of ill health, appeared before a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court along with two other accused in connection with the 2008 Malegaon blast case.

Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, who had skipped proceedings on Thursday on grounds of ill health, appeared before a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court along with two other accused in connection with the 2008 Malegaon blast case. Thakur, an accused in the case, was asked some questions by NIA Judge Vinod Padlakar, who later directed all the three accused -Thakur, Samir Kulkarni and Sudhakar Diwedi--to return to the court at 2:45 pm for signatures marking their presence as per the procedure. At the court, she could be seen helped by two men to climb the stairs at the entrance. During the course of hearing, Special NIA Judge Vinod Padlakar asked two questions from all the three accused present in the court. "Do you know or has your lawyer told you about how many witnesses have been examined by the prosecution till now?" the judge asked. Thakur replied, "I don't know," while Diwedi answered that so far 116 witnesses have been examined by the prosecution. The court also asked, "From all the witnesses who have been examined till now, it has transpired that there was a blast on September 29, 2008 in which several people died. What do you have to say?" Thakur and Diwedi said that they do not know about it while Kulkarni claimed that it is true. On Thursday, the court issued an arrest warrant against a witness in the case who had signed the panchnama while the damage by the blasts was being ascertained. Since it was a bailable warrant, the witness has to pay Rs. 5,000 as bail bond. Thakur had on Tuesday, moved an exemption from appearance plea in connection with the case. She is likely to appear before the court later this week, her lawyer had said. The court had on Monday directed Thakur and all other accused in the case to appear before it once a week. Judge Padalkar, while asking Thakur to be present before the court, had referred to a recent Supreme Court order which said hearing in criminal cases against public representatives be expedited. Besides the Bhopal MP, the other accused are Lt Col Prasad Purohit, Major (retired) Ramesh Upadhyay, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Ajay Rahirkar, Sameer Kulkarni and Sudhakar Chaturvedi. They have been charged under various sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The charges include sections 16 (committing terrorist act) and 18 (conspiring to commit terrorist act) of the UAPA and sections 120 (b) (criminal conspiracy), 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 153 (a) (promoting enmity between two religious groups) of the IPC. The accused have also been charged under relevant sections of the Explosive Substances Act. On September 29, 2018, six people were killed and a dozen others were injured when a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra's Malegaon city.

NIA court questions Pragya Singh Thakur, two others in Malegaon blast case

A two-member team of India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) is in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-detain-nearly-100-in-anti-islamist-swoops-221782">Sri Lanka to hold discussions with authorities</a> about a probe in the Easter Sunday bombings over claims that some terrorists, owning allegiance to ISIS, had travelled to India, including Kashmir, officials said Wednesday.&nbsp;

The NIA team is led by Inspector General Alok Mittal, who has probed various ISIS-related cases in South India, including a conspiracy by the terror module to kill prominent leaders.

During investigations in the case, the NIA had alerted the island nation that ISIS terrorists were planning to carry out strikes there. India had been regularly sharing intelligence inputs about a possible terror attack in Sri Lanka targeting the Indian High Commission and religious places there.

The inputs to Sri Lanka were sent through diplomatic channels after a thorough investigation pertaining to the ISIS case in Coimbatore was carried out by the NIA, which has filed a charge sheet against seven people.

The Indian delegation will give a detailed briefing about its probe during which it had stumbled upon videos of National Thowheed Jamaat (NTJ) leader Zahran Hashim, which was indicative of a terror attack on religious places as well as the Indian High Commission in Colombo.&nbsp;

Hashim was among the nine suicide bombers, including a woman, who carried out a series of blasts in Sri Lanka in which 253 people were killed on April 21.

The videos, seized from the accused in the Coimbatore case, showed Hashim asking youths from Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala to establish&nbsp; 
an Islamic rule in the region.

After the blasts in Sri Lanka, the NIA had arrested 29-year-old Riyas A, also known as Riyas Aboobacker or Abu Dujana, a resident of Palakkad. He is alleged to be in touch with Hashim on social media platforms, the officials said.

The accused had disclosed during investigations that he had been following speeches of Hashim for more than a year and has also followed the speeches delivered by controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik.

According to inputs with the central agencies, Hashim had spent time in India last year during which he attempted to influence youths in Tamil Nadu and Kerala to join him.

Hashim had parted ways from Sri Lankan National Thowheeth Jamaat (NTJ) to form his own outfit Nation of Thowheed Jamaat which is alleged to have carried out the Easter attack in Sri Lanka.

The team will also ask about the claims made by Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, the commander of the Sri Lankan Army, that the suicide bombers had travelled to some cities in India, including Kashmir.

"They (the suspects) have gone to India, they've gone to Kashmir, Bangalore, they've travelled to Kerala state. Those are the information available with us," he had said to BBC earlier this month.

However, the Jammu and Kashmir police had denied about it and had asked the Sri Lankan authorities to share more information about it.

Some officials of the central security agencies said that about a dozen Sri Lankan nationals had come to Kashmir Valley this year and their credentials have been re-checked after the bombings in three churches and three luxury hotels killed 253 people and injured over 500 others.

However, there could be a possibility of the bombers visiting the state using pseudonym, one of the officials said, adding if Sri Lanka hands over some evidence, it can be verified from the ground.

The Sri Lankan Army chief had said that some of the suicide bombers, who carried out the country's worst terror attack, visited Kashmir and Kerala for "some sorts of training" or to "make some more links" with other foreign outfits.&nbsp;

A two-member team of India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) is in Sri Lanka to hold discussions with authorities about a probe in the Easter Sunday bombings over claims that some terrorists, owning allegiance to ISIS, had travelled to India, including Kashmir, officials said Wednesday.

A two-member team of India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) is in Sri Lanka to hold discussions with authorities about a probe in the Easter Sunday bombings over claims that some terrorists, owning allegiance to ISIS, had travelled to India, including Kashmir, officials said Wednesday. The NIA team is led by Inspector General Alok Mittal, who has probed various ISIS-related cases in South India, including a conspiracy by the terror module to kill prominent leaders. During investigations in the case, the NIA had alerted the island nation that ISIS terrorists were planning to carry out strikes there. India had been regularly sharing intelligence inputs about a possible terror attack in Sri Lanka targeting the Indian High Commission and religious places there. The inputs to Sri Lanka were sent through diplomatic channels after a thorough investigation pertaining to the ISIS case in Coimbatore was carried out by the NIA, which has filed a charge sheet against seven people. The Indian delegation will give a detailed briefing about its probe during which it had stumbled upon videos of National Thowheed Jamaat (NTJ) leader Zahran Hashim, which was indicative of a terror attack on religious places as well as the Indian High Commission in Colombo. Hashim was among the nine suicide bombers, including a woman, who carried out a series of blasts in Sri Lanka in which 253 people were killed on April 21. The videos, seized from the accused in the Coimbatore case, showed Hashim asking youths from Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala to establish an Islamic rule in the region. After the blasts in Sri Lanka, the NIA had arrested 29-year-old Riyas A, also known as Riyas Aboobacker or Abu Dujana, a resident of Palakkad. He is alleged to be in touch with Hashim on social media platforms, the officials said. The accused had disclosed during investigations that he had been following speeches of Hashim for more than a year and has also followed the speeches delivered by controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik. According to inputs with the central agencies, Hashim had spent time in India last year during which he attempted to influence youths in Tamil Nadu and Kerala to join him. Hashim had parted ways from Sri Lankan National Thowheeth Jamaat (NTJ) to form his own outfit Nation of Thowheed Jamaat which is alleged to have carried out the Easter attack in Sri Lanka. The team will also ask about the claims made by Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, the commander of the Sri Lankan Army, that the suicide bombers had travelled to some cities in India, including Kashmir. "They (the suspects) have gone to India, they've gone to Kashmir, Bangalore, they've travelled to Kerala state. Those are the information available with us," he had said to BBC earlier this month. However, the Jammu and Kashmir police had denied about it and had asked the Sri Lankan authorities to share more information about it. Some officials of the central security agencies said that about a dozen Sri Lankan nationals had come to Kashmir Valley this year and their credentials have been re-checked after the bombings in three churches and three luxury hotels killed 253 people and injured over 500 others. However, there could be a possibility of the bombers visiting the state using pseudonym, one of the officials said, adding if Sri Lanka hands over some evidence, it can be verified from the ground. The Sri Lankan Army chief had said that some of the suicide bombers, who carried out the country's worst terror attack, visited Kashmir and Kerala for "some sorts of training" or to "make some more links" with other foreign outfits.

NIA team in Sri Lanka to help in Easter bombings case; will seek more details of probe

The National Investigation Agency officials from Kochi carried out searches at 10 locations in Tamil Nadu on Monday in connection with an alleged conspiracy to form a terrorist group by some youngsters.&nbsp;

The searches were carried out at the residences of the 10 accused in Muthupet, Keelakarai, Devipattinam, Lalpet and Salem in connection with the case, which was earlier probed by the Keelakarai police station, the officials said.

During the searches, the agency has seized three laptops, an equal number of hard discs, 16 mobile phones, eight SIM cards, two pen drives, five memory cards and a card reader, besides two knives, the officials said.

The NIA has alleged that 10 people from Tamil Nadu had started a group on WhatsApp.

In 2018, according to the NIA, the group conspired to procure arms, raise funds to wage armed struggle, facilitate the escape of terrorists from jails and propagate their ideology to act against the state.

The case was initially registered by the Tamil Nadu Police on April 2, 2018, in the Ramanathapuram district under several sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act.

The police arrested nine accused, while one is absconding. Later, they were released on bail by the court.

(With inputs from agencies)

The National Investigation Agency officials from Kochi carried out searches at 10 locations in Tamil Nadu on Monday in connection with an alleged conspiracy to form a terrorist group by some youngsters.

The National Investigation Agency officials from Kochi carried out searches at 10 locations in Tamil Nadu on Monday in connection with an alleged conspiracy to form a terrorist group by some youngsters. The searches were carried out at the residences of the 10 accused in Muthupet, Keelakarai, Devipattinam, Lalpet and Salem in connection with the case, which was earlier probed by the Keelakarai police station, the officials said. During the searches, the agency has seized three laptops, an equal number of hard discs, 16 mobile phones, eight SIM cards, two pen drives, five memory cards and a card reader, besides two knives, the officials said. The NIA has alleged that 10 people from Tamil Nadu had started a group on WhatsApp. In 2018, according to the NIA, the group conspired to procure arms, raise funds to wage armed struggle, facilitate the escape of terrorists from jails and propagate their ideology to act against the state. The case was initially registered by the Tamil Nadu Police on April 2, 2018, in the Ramanathapuram district under several sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act. The police arrested nine accused, while one is absconding. Later, they were released on bail by the court. (With inputs from agencies)

National Investigation Agency raids 10 places in Tamil Nadu in Islamic State module case

The National Investigation Agency on Saturday arrested a man from Delhi in connection with its probe against an ISIS-inspired group, which was allegedly planning suicide attacks and serial blasts, targeting politicians and government installations in Delhi and other parts of north India.

Mohammad Gufran, a resident of Amroha in western Uttar Pradesh (UP), formed a pro-ISIS module named Harkat Ul Harb-e-Islam, a spokesperson of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said. He is the 13th accused to have been arrested in the case.

The man was one of the key conspirators in planning to carry out terrorist attacks in Delhi NCR and UP, the official said. He was inspired by the ideology of the ISIS terror group which is a proscribed organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), he said.

Investigation revealed that he was instrumental in procurement of arms and ammunition and also explosives to carry out terrorist attacks in Delhi NCR and UP, the official said. The man will be produced before the Patiala House court on Sunday, according to the NIA official.

The NIA has said that a man named Mufti Mohammed Suhail from Delhi was the ''Amir'' (local chief) of the pro-ISIS module which mobilised funds and procured weapons, ammunition and explosive materials to prepare improvised explosive devices with his other associates, the NIA official added.

The agency has so far seized a locally-made rocket launcher, material for suicide vests and 112 alarm clocks to be used as timers besides recovering 25 kg of explosive material -- Potassium Nitrate, Ammonium Nitrate and Sulphur.

The National Investigation Agency on Saturday arrested a man from Delhi in connection with its probe against an ISIS-inspired group, which was allegedly planning suicide attacks and serial blasts, targeting politicians and government installations in Delhi and other parts of north India.

The National Investigation Agency on Saturday arrested a man from Delhi in connection with its probe against an ISIS-inspired group, which was allegedly planning suicide attacks and serial blasts, targeting politicians and government installations in Delhi and other parts of north India. Mohammad Gufran, a resident of Amroha in western Uttar Pradesh (UP), formed a pro-ISIS module named Harkat Ul Harb-e-Islam, a spokesperson of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said. He is the 13th accused to have been arrested in the case. The man was one of the key conspirators in planning to carry out terrorist attacks in Delhi NCR and UP, the official said. He was inspired by the ideology of the ISIS terror group which is a proscribed organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), he said. Investigation revealed that he was instrumental in procurement of arms and ammunition and also explosives to carry out terrorist attacks in Delhi NCR and UP, the official said. The man will be produced before the Patiala House court on Sunday, according to the NIA official. The NIA has said that a man named Mufti Mohammed Suhail from Delhi was the ''Amir'' (local chief) of the pro-ISIS module which mobilised funds and procured weapons, ammunition and explosive materials to prepare improvised explosive devices with his other associates, the NIA official added. The agency has so far seized a locally-made rocket launcher, material for suicide vests and 112 alarm clocks to be used as timers besides recovering 25 kg of explosive material -- Potassium Nitrate, Ammonium Nitrate and Sulphur.

Man behind ISIS-inspired module arrested by NIA in Delhi

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday arrested Mohammad Gufran, suspected of being a key conspirator in plans to carry out terrorist attacks in Delhi NCR and Uttar Pradesh.

He is the 13th accused to be arrested in the NIA probe in connection with its probe against an IS-inspired group, which was allegedly planning to target places of importance in and around National Capital Territory of Delhi.

Gufran who is a resident of Amroha district of Uttar Pradesh was inspired by the ideology of IS and formed a pro-IS module namely Harkat Ul Harb-e-Islam, the NIA said.

"During the investigation, it was established that Gufran is one of the key conspirators in planning to carry out terrorist attacks in Delhi NCR and UP. It was further revealed that he was instrumental in the procurement of arms and ammunition and also explosives to carry out terrorist attacks," the investigating agency said.

Apart from Gufran, 12 other people have already been arrested in the case.

The case pertains to a group of pro-IS terrorists who formed a terrorist gang which was engaged in acts preparatory to the commission of terror attacks with a view to wage war against the Government of India.

The group was found to be inspired by the ideology of ISIS and was conspiring and preparing to target places of importance in and around the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

"It was gathered that Mufti Mohd. Suhail alias Abbasi who is a resident of Seelampur area of New Delhi was the Amir of pro-IS module who mobilized funds and procured weapons, ammunition and explosive materials to prepare IEDs etc with his other associates," NIA said.&nbsp;

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday arrested Mohammad Gufran, suspected of being a key conspirator in plans to carry out terrorist attacks in Delhi NCR and Uttar Pradesh.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday arrested Mohammad Gufran, suspected of being a key conspirator in plans to carry out terrorist attacks in Delhi NCR and Uttar Pradesh. He is the 13th accused to be arrested in the NIA probe in connection with its probe against an IS-inspired group, which was allegedly planning to target places of importance in and around National Capital Territory of Delhi. Gufran who is a resident of Amroha district of Uttar Pradesh was inspired by the ideology of IS and formed a pro-IS module namely Harkat Ul Harb-e-Islam, the NIA said. "During the investigation, it was established that Gufran is one of the key conspirators in planning to carry out terrorist attacks in Delhi NCR and UP. It was further revealed that he was instrumental in the procurement of arms and ammunition and also explosives to carry out terrorist attacks," the investigating agency said. Apart from Gufran, 12 other people have already been arrested in the case. The case pertains to a group of pro-IS terrorists who formed a terrorist gang which was engaged in acts preparatory to the commission of terror attacks with a view to wage war against the Government of India. The group was found to be inspired by the ideology of ISIS and was conspiring and preparing to target places of importance in and around the National Capital Territory of Delhi. "It was gathered that Mufti Mohd. Suhail alias Abbasi who is a resident of Seelampur area of New Delhi was the Amir of pro-IS module who mobilized funds and procured weapons, ammunition and explosive materials to prepare IEDs etc with his other associates," NIA said.

NIA arrests 13th accused in Delhi Islamic State module case

National Investigation Agency (NIA) likely to question Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik on Wednesday on the alleged terror-funding activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Malik may face questions related to funding to the banned organisation Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF).

Malik was brought to Delhi from a Jammu jail on Tuesday evening after NIA secured a production warrant against him in connection with an alleged terror and separatism funding case.

The separatist leader was arrested under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jklf-chief-yaseen-malik-detained-in-jammu-and-kashmir-199074">Public Safety Act</a> (PSA) in February and lodged in Kot Balwal Jail in Jammu.

Centre had banned the JKLF last month, saying the outfit is actively engaged in inciting secession and is illegally funnelling funds for fomenting terrorism.

Malik also faces charges of involvement in the kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed, daughter of then Union Home Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, in December 1989.&nbsp;

National Investigation Agency (NIA) likely to question Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik on Wednesday on the alleged terror-funding activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

National Investigation Agency (NIA) likely to question Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik on Wednesday on the alleged terror-funding activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Malik may face questions related to funding to the banned organisation Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF). Malik was brought to Delhi from a Jammu jail on Tuesday evening after NIA secured a production warrant against him in connection with an alleged terror and separatism funding case. The separatist leader was arrested under the Public Safety Act (PSA) in February and lodged in Kot Balwal Jail in Jammu. Centre had banned the JKLF last month, saying the outfit is actively engaged in inciting secession and is illegally funnelling funds for fomenting terrorism. Malik also faces charges of involvement in the kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed, daughter of then Union Home Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, in December 1989.

Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik brought to Delhi; to be quizzed in terror-funding case

A Delhi court Wednesday sent JKLF chief Yasin Malik to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmiri-separatist-leader-yasin-malik-brought-to-delhi-to-be-quizzed-in-terror-funding-case-209191"> NIA custody </a>till April 22 after the agency sought his custodial interrogation in connection with a case related to funding of separatists and terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir.

Malik was produced before special judge Rakesh Syal where the National Investigation Agency arrested him inside the courtroom and sought 15-day custodial interrogation.

The proceedings in the case were heard in-camera.

He was shifted to Delhi's Tihar Jail on Tuesday after the NIA secured his production remand in connection with the terror funding case.

Malik will be facing questions from the NIA related to funding of his organisation.

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has reserved its judgment on a plea of the CBI for reopening three-decade-old cases in which Malik was an accused.

The Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief is facing charges of kidnapping and murder for being allegedly involved in abducting Rubaiya Sayeed, daughter of then Union Home Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in 1989, and killing of four Indian Air Force personnel in the early part of 1990. 
NIA had approached a special court in Jammu, seeking Malik's remand for custodial interrogation in the terror-funding case.

The NIA probe seeks to identify the chain of players behind the financing of terrorist activities, pelting of stones on security forces, burning down of schools and damaging of government establishments.

The case also names Hafiz Saeed, the Pakistan-based chief of Jamaat-ud-Dawah, the front for the banned Lashker-e-Taiba, as an accused.&nbsp;

Besides, it names organisations such as Hurriyat Conference factions led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Dukhtaran-e-Millat.

The JKLF was recently banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.&nbsp;

A Delhi court Wednesday sent JKLF chief Yasin Malik to NIA custody till April 22 after the agency sought his custodial interrogation in connection with a case related to funding of separatists and terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir.

A Delhi court Wednesday sent JKLF chief Yasin Malik to NIA custody till April 22 after the agency sought his custodial interrogation in connection with a case related to funding of separatists and terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir. Malik was produced before special judge Rakesh Syal where the National Investigation Agency arrested him inside the courtroom and sought 15-day custodial interrogation. The proceedings in the case were heard in-camera. He was shifted to Delhi's Tihar Jail on Tuesday after the NIA secured his production remand in connection with the terror funding case. Malik will be facing questions from the NIA related to funding of his organisation. The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has reserved its judgment on a plea of the CBI for reopening three-decade-old cases in which Malik was an accused. The Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief is facing charges of kidnapping and murder for being allegedly involved in abducting Rubaiya Sayeed, daughter of then Union Home Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in 1989, and killing of four Indian Air Force personnel in the early part of 1990. NIA had approached a special court in Jammu, seeking Malik's remand for custodial interrogation in the terror-funding case. The NIA probe seeks to identify the chain of players behind the financing of terrorist activities, pelting of stones on security forces, burning down of schools and damaging of government establishments. The case also names Hafiz Saeed, the Pakistan-based chief of Jamaat-ud-Dawah, the front for the banned Lashker-e-Taiba, as an accused. Besides, it names organisations such as Hurriyat Conference factions led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Dukhtaran-e-Millat. The JKLF was recently banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Delhi court sends Yasin Malik to NIA custody till April 22 in terror funding case

The National Investigation Agency on Saturday arrested a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jem-chief-masood-azhars-nephew-mohammad-umar-killed-in-jk-encounter-207826">Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)</a> operative over his involvement in the 2017 terror attack on a CRPF camp in Lethpora in South Kashmir, officials said.

The accused identified as Syed Hilal Andrabi, an overground worker of the JeM and is allegedly a key conspirator who provided logistic support in the form of sheltering the terrorists and conducting reconnaissance of the CRPF group centre before the attack was carried out.

During the investigation, the trio which carried out the terror attack in 2017 was identified as Fardeen Ahmad Khandey, Manzoor Baba both residents of Pulwama district and a Pakistani terrorist Abdul Shakoor.

''All three terrorists were killed in the encounter. In this attack, 5 CRPF personnel were martyred and three were grievously injured," a statement from the NIA read.

''After his arrest from Jammu, accused Syed Hilal Andrabi was produced before the competent court and his five days’ police custody has been obtained for unearthing the larger conspiracy behind this attack,'' the statement said.

The terrorist attack on the CRPF group centre occurred on December 31, 2017, by three terrorists of proscribed terrorist of JeM.

Further investigation in the matter is underway.

The National Investigation Agency on Saturday arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative over his involvement in the 2017 terror attack on a CRPF camp in Lethpora in South Kashmir, officials said.

The National Investigation Agency on Saturday arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative over his involvement in the 2017 terror attack on a CRPF camp in Lethpora in South Kashmir, officials said. The accused identified as Syed Hilal Andrabi, an overground worker of the JeM and is allegedly a key conspirator who provided logistic support in the form of sheltering the terrorists and conducting reconnaissance of the CRPF group centre before the attack was carried out. During the investigation, the trio which carried out the terror attack in 2017 was identified as Fardeen Ahmad Khandey, Manzoor Baba both residents of Pulwama district and a Pakistani terrorist Abdul Shakoor. ''All three terrorists were killed in the encounter. In this attack, 5 CRPF personnel were martyred and three were grievously injured," a statement from the NIA read. ''After his arrest from Jammu, accused Syed Hilal Andrabi was produced before the competent court and his five days’ police custody has been obtained for unearthing the larger conspiracy behind this attack,'' the statement said. The terrorist attack on the CRPF group centre occurred on December 31, 2017, by three terrorists of proscribed terrorist of JeM. Further investigation in the matter is underway.

NIA arrests key conspirator in 2017 J&K terror attack

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-nirav-modi-denied-bail-to-stay-in-london-jail-204562">PNB scam: Nirav Modi denied bail, to stay in London jail till March 29th</a>

UK's Westminster court has rejected Nirav Modi's bail plea and he is all set to stay in a British jail till 29th March when the court again takes up the case. He will be staying in a British jail before Westminster court again takes up his case.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-four-accused-in-samjhauta-blast-case-acquitted-204558">All four accused in Samjhauta blast case acquitted</a>

All four accused in the Samjhauta blast case were acquitted by the Special National Investigation Agency(NIA) Court in Panchkula today.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-signals-to-boycott-chinas-belt-and-road-forum-for-second-time-204533">India may boycott China's Belt and Road Forum for second time</a>

India on Wednesday signalled that it will boycott China's second Belt and Road Forum for a second time, saying no country can participate in an initiative that ignores its core concerns on sovereignty and territorial integrity.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-fines-google-149-billion-euros-for-anti-trust-breach-204538">Google fined $1.7 billion for search ad blocks in third European Union sanction</a>

Google was fined 1.49 billion euros ($1.7 billion) on Wednesday for blocking rival online search advertisers, the third large European Union antitrust penalty for the Alphabet business in two only years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/requested-brexit-delay-until-june-30-uk-pm-theresa-may-to-european-union-leaders-204557">Requested Brexit delay until June 30: UK PM Theresa May to European Union leaders</a>

Prime Minister Theresa May requested a three-month delay to Brexit on Wednesday after her failure to get a deal ratified by parliament left the United Kingdom's divorce from the European Union in turmoil.

&nbsp;

PNB scam: Nirav Modi denied bail, to stay in London jail till March 29th UK's Westminster court has rejected Nirav Modi's bail plea and he is all set to stay in a British jail till 29th March when the court again takes up the case.

PNB scam: Nirav Modi denied bail, to stay in London jail till March 29th UK's Westminster court has rejected Nirav Modi's bail plea and he is all set to stay in a British jail till 29th March when the court again takes up the case. He will be staying in a British jail before Westminster court again takes up his case. All four accused in Samjhauta blast case acquitted All four accused in the Samjhauta blast case were acquitted by the Special National Investigation Agency(NIA) Court in Panchkula today. India may boycott China's Belt and Road Forum for second time India on Wednesday signalled that it will boycott China's second Belt and Road Forum for a second time, saying no country can participate in an initiative that ignores its core concerns on sovereignty and territorial integrity. Google fined $1.7 billion for search ad blocks in third European Union sanction Google was fined 1.49 billion euros ($1.7 billion) on Wednesday for blocking rival online search advertisers, the third large European Union antitrust penalty for the Alphabet business in two only years. Requested Brexit delay until June 30: UK PM Theresa May to European Union leaders Prime Minister Theresa May requested a three-month delay to Brexit on Wednesday after her failure to get a deal ratified by parliament left the United Kingdom's divorce from the European Union in turmoil.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) carried out infiltrations and transportation of terrorists seven times during 2017-18, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has said in a charge-sheet.

“Pakistan based leadership of JeM illegally infiltrated armed and trained terrorists in India using the services of an organised network of Over Ground Workers (OGWs). The investigation revealed that in the period from 23rd October 2017 till September 2018, seven such infiltrations and transportations took place,” the charge-sheet, filed in a court here, said.

The arrested OGWs used to transport Pakistani terrorists after their infiltration in India by illegally crossing the International Border (IB) in Kathua-Samba sector. During the investigation, a larger conspiracy was unearthed wherein Pakistan based leadership of JeM was conspiring to wage a war against India.

The charge-sheet names two arrested suspected terrorists—Mohd Iqbal Rather, and Riyaz Ahmed Nengroo—and one absconding suspect Ashaq Ahmed Nengroo.

While Rather is a Nursing student at Kashmir Institute of Medical Institute while the Nengroo brothers are truck drivers by profession.

&nbsp;A non-bailable warrant is also issued against Ashaq Ahmed Nengroo.The charge-sheet was filed in connection with the incident of firing by terrorists in Jhajahar Kotli area of Jammu and consequent encounter of three Pakistani terrorists in Katra area of Reasi district in September last year.

In September last year, while checking of a Kashmir bound truck, the staff of Jhajjhar Kotli Police Station Jammu was fired upon by three Pakistani terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) sitting in a cargo cabin.

“After the firing, the terrorists ran towards adjoining forest area injuring one civilian on the way. After the conclusion of the chase, the OGWs were arrested and a huge cache of arms ammunition, explosives and combat equipment were seized from the truck in which the three terrorists were being ferried by the arrested persons,” the NIA further stated in the charge-sheet.

A case was registered under Sections 307, 120-B, 121, 122 and 123 of the Ranbir Penal Code and Sections 7, 25, 26, 27 of the Indian Arms Act and Sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Preventions) Act.

Next day, a cordon and search operation by security forces was on, the three terrorists hiding inside a house in village Dirthi, Police Station Katra, Jammu, started firing indiscriminately at the security forces.

In a resultant encounter, all three terrorists were killed. Some security personnel was also injured. A large number of arms, ammunition, and explosive articles was recovered from the slain terrorists. Another case was registered and an investigation was taken up. Further investigation in the matter is underway. 
&nbsp;

Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) carried out infiltrations and transportation of terrorists seven times during 2017-18, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has said in a charge-sheet.

Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) carried out infiltrations and transportation of terrorists seven times during 2017-18, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has said in a charge-sheet. “Pakistan based leadership of JeM illegally infiltrated armed and trained terrorists in India using the services of an organised network of Over Ground Workers (OGWs). The investigation revealed that in the period from 23rd October 2017 till September 2018, seven such infiltrations and transportations took place,” the charge-sheet, filed in a court here, said. The arrested OGWs used to transport Pakistani terrorists after their infiltration in India by illegally crossing the International Border (IB) in Kathua-Samba sector. During the investigation, a larger conspiracy was unearthed wherein Pakistan based leadership of JeM was conspiring to wage a war against India. The charge-sheet names two arrested suspected terrorists—Mohd Iqbal Rather, and Riyaz Ahmed Nengroo—and one absconding suspect Ashaq Ahmed Nengroo. While Rather is a Nursing student at Kashmir Institute of Medical Institute while the Nengroo brothers are truck drivers by profession. A non-bailable warrant is also issued against Ashaq Ahmed Nengroo.The charge-sheet was filed in connection with the incident of firing by terrorists in Jhajahar Kotli area of Jammu and consequent encounter of three Pakistani terrorists in Katra area of Reasi district in September last year. In September last year, while checking of a Kashmir bound truck, the staff of Jhajjhar Kotli Police Station Jammu was fired upon by three Pakistani terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) sitting in a cargo cabin. “After the firing, the terrorists ran towards adjoining forest area injuring one civilian on the way. After the conclusion of the chase, the OGWs were arrested and a huge cache of arms ammunition, explosives and combat equipment were seized from the truck in which the three terrorists were being ferried by the arrested persons,” the NIA further stated in the charge-sheet. A case was registered under Sections 307, 120-B, 121, 122 and 123 of the Ranbir Penal Code and Sections 7, 25, 26, 27 of the Indian Arms Act and Sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Preventions) Act. Next day, a cordon and search operation by security forces was on, the three terrorists hiding inside a house in village Dirthi, Police Station Katra, Jammu, started firing indiscriminately at the security forces. In a resultant encounter, all three terrorists were killed. Some security personnel was also injured. A large number of arms, ammunition, and explosive articles was recovered from the slain terrorists. Another case was registered and an investigation was taken up. Further investigation in the matter is underway.

JeM infiltrated India 7 times in one year: NIA

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday took over the probe into the February 14 terror attack in Pulwama from the Jammu and Kashmir police, officials said.

The agency has re-registered the case and formed a team to investigate the terror strike in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed, an NIA spokesperson here said.&nbsp;

The state police had registered a case at the Awantipora police station on February 14 after a suicide bomber blew himself up next to a CRPF bus, which was part of a 78-vehicle convoy carrying over 2,500 personnel on their way from Jammu to Srinagar.

The NIA has already gathered explosive material from the blast site in Lethpora in Pulwama district of south Kashmir and has been involved in the questioning of around a dozen people detained by police following the bombing, officials said.

The agency has also met senior police, intelligence and army officers to gather whatever evidence they have, they said.

The NIA will probe the planning and execution of the terror attack, the second such in three decades of militancy in the state. In 2000, a 17-year-old Kashmiri boy had blown himself outside the Srinagar-based army cantonment in the year 2000, killing two Army men.

On Monday, three Jaish terrorists were killed in a 16-hour operation in Pulwama's Pinglan area, 12 km from the spot of the February 14 attack. An Army major and four security personnel also lost their lives.&nbsp;

Police and the Army announced Tuesday that these terrorists were responsible for last Thursday's attack.&nbsp;

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday took over the probe into the February 14 terror attack in Pulwama from the Jammu and Kashmir police, officials said.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday took over the probe into the February 14 terror attack in Pulwama from the Jammu and Kashmir police, officials said. The agency has re-registered the case and formed a team to investigate the terror strike in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed, an NIA spokesperson here said. The state police had registered a case at the Awantipora police station on February 14 after a suicide bomber blew himself up next to a CRPF bus, which was part of a 78-vehicle convoy carrying over 2,500 personnel on their way from Jammu to Srinagar. The NIA has already gathered explosive material from the blast site in Lethpora in Pulwama district of south Kashmir and has been involved in the questioning of around a dozen people detained by police following the bombing, officials said. The agency has also met senior police, intelligence and army officers to gather whatever evidence they have, they said. The NIA will probe the planning and execution of the terror attack, the second such in three decades of militancy in the state. In 2000, a 17-year-old Kashmiri boy had blown himself outside the Srinagar-based army cantonment in the year 2000, killing two Army men. On Monday, three Jaish terrorists were killed in a 16-hour operation in Pulwama's Pinglan area, 12 km from the spot of the February 14 attack. An Army major and four security personnel also lost their lives. Police and the Army announced Tuesday that these terrorists were responsible for last Thursday's attack.

NIA takes over Pulwama attack probe from J&K Police

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terror-group-was-planning-serial-blasts-in-north-india-17-locations-raided-10-arrested-nia-186660">arrested 10 suspected members </a>of a newly set up<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-conducts-raids-across-delhi-and-uttar-pradesh-detains-10-to-bust-new-isis-inspired-terror-module-186623"> ISIS-inspired terror outfit in New Delhi</a> that was allegedly planning to carry out series of suicide attacks in Delhi and north India targeting important political personalities, vital installations and crowded places.

The group comprises men in the 20-35 age group with moderate education (barring two) levels, hailing from middle-income group families and radicalised by an Amroha-based Mufti, who is also the alleged mastermind and founder of 'Harkat-ul-Harb-e-Islam', which can be loosely translated as 'war for the cause of Islam', the NIA has claimed.

Following are their brief profiles and roles as per NIA inputs:

1.&nbsp;Mufti Mohammed Suhail alias Hazrath (29): The alleged founder of the group is a native of Amroha in West Uttar Pradesh where he works as a Mufti in a madrasa at Hakim Mahtab Uddin Hashmi Road. Presently residing in Jafrabad in North East Delhi, he allegedly founded the group three-four months back and indoctrinated its members using on-line resources linked to the ISIS. A video has been seized by the agency where Suhail can be heard telling how to assemble bomb using a circuit.&nbsp;

It is alleged that he had tasked other team members to procure arms, explosives and other accessories to prepare remote-controlled bombs and pipe-bombs.

2.&nbsp;Anas Yunus (24): A resident of Jafrabad. He is a student of Civil Engineering at a private university in Noida. He procured electrical items, alarm clocks and batteries etc to be used in assembling bombs in furtherance of their terror conspiracy.

3.&nbsp;Rashid Zafar Raq alias Zafar (23): Also a resident of Jafrabad. He is into garments business and was part of the group.

4.&nbsp;Saeed alias Sayeed (28): A resident of Saidapur Imma, Amroha, runs a welding shop in Amroha where some pistols and rocket launcher were fabricated.

5.Saeed's brother Raees Ahmad: A resident of Saidapur Imma, Amroha, UP. He owns a welding shop at Islam Nagar, Near Idgah, Amroha, Uttar Pradesh. The brothers had allegedly procured 25 kilograms of explosive material and gunpowder for preparing IEDs and pipe bombs and were instrumental in fabricating a rocket launcher to carry out terrorist attacks.

6.&nbsp;Zubair Malik (20): A resident of Jafrabad. He is a student of BA 3rd year at a University in Delhi.

7.&nbsp;Zubair's brother Zaid (22): A resident of Jafrabad. Both the brothers were part of the terror conspiracy and were instrumental in procuring batteries, connectors, SIM cards (135 recovered during searches) on fake documents and mobilising funds for buying bomb-making material. Both allegedly stole family gold to arrange for money.

8.&nbsp;Saqib Iftekar (26): A resident of Hapur, Uttar Pradesh. He works as an Imam in Jama Masjid, Baksar, Uttar Pradesh and helped Mohammed Suhail in procuring weapons. The agency has recovered 12 pistols, 150 rounds of live ammunition, knives and swords during searches.

9.&nbsp;Mohammed Irshad (in late 20s): A resident of Mohalla Qazi Zada, Amroha. An auto-rickshaw driver who was helping Mohammed Suhail in arranging a hideout for keeping the material for making IEDs and bombs. The agency has recovered 25 kg of explosive material, such as Potassium Nitrate, Ammonium Nitrate, Sulphur, Sugar material paste, 112 alarm clocks, mobile phone circuits, batteries, 51 pipes, remote control toys, wireless digital doorbell, steel containers, electric wires.

10.&nbsp;Mohammed Azam (35): A resident of Chauhan Bajar, Delhi. He runs a medical shop in Seelampur, Shahdara, Delhi and helped Mohammed Suhail arrange weapons. 
&nbsp;

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday arrested 10 suspected members of a newly set up ISIS-inspired terror outfit in New Delhi that was allegedly planning to carry out series of suicide attacks in Delhi and north India targeting important political personalities, vital installations and crowded places.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday arrested 10 suspected members of a newly set up ISIS-inspired terror outfit in New Delhi that was allegedly planning to carry out series of suicide attacks in Delhi and north India targeting important political personalities, vital installations and crowded places. The group comprises men in the 20-35 age group with moderate education (barring two) levels, hailing from middle-income group families and radicalised by an Amroha-based Mufti, who is also the alleged mastermind and founder of 'Harkat-ul-Harb-e-Islam', which can be loosely translated as 'war for the cause of Islam', the NIA has claimed. Following are their brief profiles and roles as per NIA inputs: 1. Mufti Mohammed Suhail alias Hazrath (29): The alleged founder of the group is a native of Amroha in West Uttar Pradesh where he works as a Mufti in a madrasa at Hakim Mahtab Uddin Hashmi Road. Presently residing in Jafrabad in North East Delhi, he allegedly founded the group three-four months back and indoctrinated its members using on-line resources linked to the ISIS. A video has been seized by the agency where Suhail can be heard telling how to assemble bomb using a circuit. It is alleged that he had tasked other team members to procure arms, explosives and other accessories to prepare remote-controlled bombs and pipe-bombs. 2. Anas Yunus (24): A resident of Jafrabad. He is a student of Civil Engineering at a private university in Noida. He procured electrical items, alarm clocks and batteries etc to be used in assembling bombs in furtherance of their terror conspiracy. 3. Rashid Zafar Raq alias Zafar (23): Also a resident of Jafrabad. He is into garments business and was part of the group. 4. Saeed alias Sayeed (28): A resident of Saidapur Imma, Amroha, runs a welding shop in Amroha where some pistols and rocket launcher were fabricated. 5.Saeed's brother Raees Ahmad: A resident of Saidapur Imma, Amroha, UP. He owns a welding shop at Islam Nagar, Near Idgah, Amroha, Uttar Pradesh. The brothers had allegedly procured 25 kilograms of explosive material and gunpowder for preparing IEDs and pipe bombs and were instrumental in fabricating a rocket launcher to carry out terrorist attacks. 6. Zubair Malik (20): A resident of Jafrabad. He is a student of BA 3rd year at a University in Delhi. 7. Zubair's brother Zaid (22): A resident of Jafrabad. Both the brothers were part of the terror conspiracy and were instrumental in procuring batteries, connectors, SIM cards (135 recovered during searches) on fake documents and mobilising funds for buying bomb-making material. Both allegedly stole family gold to arrange for money. 8. Saqib Iftekar (26): A resident of Hapur, Uttar Pradesh. He works as an Imam in Jama Masjid, Baksar, Uttar Pradesh and helped Mohammed Suhail in procuring weapons. The agency has recovered 12 pistols, 150 rounds of live ammunition, knives and swords during searches. 9. Mohammed Irshad (in late 20s): A resident of Mohalla Qazi Zada, Amroha. An auto-rickshaw driver who was helping Mohammed Suhail in arranging a hideout for keeping the material for making IEDs and bombs. The agency has recovered 25 kg of explosive material, such as Potassium Nitrate, Ammonium Nitrate, Sulphur, Sugar material paste, 112 alarm clocks, mobile phone circuits, batteries, 51 pipes, remote control toys, wireless digital doorbell, steel containers, electric wires. 10. Mohammed Azam (35): A resident of Chauhan Bajar, Delhi. He runs a medical shop in Seelampur, Shahdara, Delhi and helped Mohammed Suhail arrange weapons.

From engineering student to welders: Those behind ISIS-inspired group busted by NIA

The National Investigation Agency is conducting searches across New Delhi and Uttar Pradesh in connection with what it says is an Islamic State cell.&nbsp;

The NIA said the searches are being conducted across 16 locations in Delhi and UP.&nbsp;

The alleged Islamic State cell is reportedly called "Harkat ul Harb e Islam".&nbsp;

The news agency ANI put out visuals of one of the NIA searches from Amroha in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

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Visuals from Amroha where NIA is conducting searches in connection with a new ISIS module styled as 'Harkat ul Harb e Islam'. Searches are underway at 16 locations in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/aCp03AYRr6">pic.twitter.com/aCp03AYRr6</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1077808174168715264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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UP ATS: Can confirm a joint operation with NIA in Amroha. 5 persons have been arrested <a href="https://t.co/3ddfPG1ILH">https://t.co/3ddfPG1ILH</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1077821850229583872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The UP anti-terrorism squad has since confirmed "a joint operation"&nbsp;with the NIA.

It added that five people have been arrested in Amroha.&nbsp;

(This a developing story. Further details are awaited.)&nbsp;

The National Investigation Agency is conducting searches across New Delhi and Uttar Pradesh in connection with what it says is an Islamic State cell. The NIA said the searches are being conducted across 16 locations in Delhi and UP.

The National Investigation Agency is conducting searches across New Delhi and Uttar Pradesh in connection with what it says is an Islamic State cell. The NIA said the searches are being conducted across 16 locations in Delhi and UP. The alleged Islamic State cell is reportedly called "Harkat ul Harb e Islam". The news agency ANI put out visuals of one of the NIA searches from Amroha in Uttar Pradesh. Visuals from Amroha where NIA is conducting searches in connection with a new ISIS module styled as 'Harkat ul Harb e Islam'. Searches are underway at 16 locations in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. pic.twitter.com/aCp03AYRr6 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 26, 2018 × UP ATS: Can confirm a joint operation with NIA in Amroha. 5 persons have been arrested https://t.co/3ddfPG1ILH — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2018 × The UP anti-terrorism squad has since confirmed "a joint operation" with the NIA. It added that five people have been arrested in Amroha. (This a developing story. Further details are awaited.)

NIA conducts searches across Delhi & UP for Islamic State cell, 5 arrested

Terror group was planning serial blasts in north India: NIA

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